I Compagni [The Organizer] (1963)

Compelling story of exploited laborers in late 1800s Italy attempting to gain better—though by no means good—working conditions for themselves. Marcello Mastroianni is solid as a visiting intellectual trying to help organize the workers, and the surrounding players are all portrayed with realism and conviction. Good writing and directing make this a worthwhile film to see, its messages still relevant today.

***⅜ (out of *****)

©2023 David R. George III

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1963 • 2 HOURS, 6 MINUTES
LUX FILM • VIDES CINEMATOGRAFICA • MEDITERRANNEE CINEMA PRODUCTION • AVALA FILM

STARRING
• MARCELLO MASTROIANNI, RENATO SALVATORI, GABRIELLA GIORGELLI

ALSO STARRING
• FOLCO LULLI, BERNARD BLIER, RAFFAELLA CARRA, FRANÇOIS PERIER, VITTORIO SANIPOLI, MARIO PISU, KENNETH KOVE, ANNIE GIRARDOT

WRITTEN BY
• AGENORE INCROCCI, FURIO SCARPELLI, MARIO MONICELLI (SCREENPLAY & STORY BY)

DIRECTED BY
• MARIO MONICELLI

1964 ACADEMY AWARDS NOMINATIONS (1)
• BEST ORIGINAL STORY AND SCREENPLAY (LOST TO FATHER GOOSE)