Totò: A Genius of Italian Comedy Celebrated 50 Years After His Death
Half a century after his passing, Totò (Antonio De Curtis) is finally celebrated as a luminary of Italian cinema. The exhibition titled 'Totò genio' commenced on April 12 in Naples, curated by Alessandro Nicosia and Vincenzo Mollica, and spans three locations: Museo Civico di Castel Nuovo, Palazzo Reale, and Convento di San Domenico Maggiore. It showcases an extensive collection of documents, including films, photographs, and memorabilia. Born out of wedlock, Totò held the noble title of Prince but encountered financial difficulties. He entered the film industry at 40, renowned for his improvisational and satirical style. His prominent works include 'Guardie e ladri' (1951), 'Totò, Peppino e la... malafemmina' (1956), and 'Uccellacci e uccellini' (1966). He was awarded a posthumous honorary degree by the University of Naples Federico II and was known for his philanthropy towards dog shelters, sharing his sorrow in an interview with Oriana Fallaci.
Key facts
- Totò (Antonio De Curtis) died 50 years ago and is now celebrated as a genius.
- Exhibition 'Totò genio' opened April 12 in Naples, curated by Alessandro Nicosia and Vincenzo Mollica.
- Three venues: Museo Civico di Castel Nuovo, Palazzo Reale, Convento di San Domenico Maggiore.
- Exhibition includes hundreds of documents: photos, films, costumes, posters, interviews, manuscripts.
- University of Naples Federico II awarded Totò a posthumous honorary degree.
- Totò was born out of wedlock, later adopted, and held the title of Prince.
- He started cinema around age 40, known for improvisation and satire.
- Film 'Guardie e ladri' (1951) won Best Screenplay at Cannes.
- He acted in 'Uccellacci e uccellini' (1966) by Pasolini despite near-blindness.
- Totò donated to dog shelters and said he preferred animals to men.
- In an interview with Oriana Fallaci, he said he loves the night and finds the day vulgar.
- His daughter Liliana was named after his great love Liliana Castagnola.
Entities
Artists
- Totò
- Antonio De Curtis
- Charlie Chaplin
- Buster Keaton
- Mario Monicelli
- Steno
- Ave Ninchi
- Flaiano
- Fabrizi
- Brancati
- Camillo Mastrocinque
- Peppino De Filippo
- Pier Paolo Pasolini
- Ninetto Davoli
- Oriana Fallaci
- Liliana Castagnola
- Alessandro Nicosia
- Vincenzo Mollica
- Margherita Bordino
- Milo Manara
- Federico Fellini
- Andrea Pazienza
Institutions
- Artribune
- University of Naples Federico II
- Museo Civico di Castel Nuovo
- Palazzo Reale
- Convento di San Domenico Maggiore
- Festival di Cannes
- Maschio Angioino
- San Domenico Maggiore
Locations
- Naples
- Italy
- Milan
- Rome