A chance to see a selection of rarely screened fine European films. L’Onorevole Angelina (Angelina), (Italy / 1947 /90 mins). Directed by Luigi Zampa and starring Anna Magnani, Nando Bruno and Ave Ninchi.

Anna Magnani’s fiery performance as the title character won her the Volpi Cup prize for “Best Actress” at the Venice Film Festival, while Zampa’s direction earned him a nomination for a Golden Lion. The films style may be best described as neo-realism meets Ealing comedy. A new block of flats are being built next to a squalid slum and the rich developer wants to deny access to the slum dwellers… so Angelina takes up the torch on behalf of her fellow neighbours to tackle their collective problems. Sparks fly in every direction!!

Angelina’s co-screen writer Suso Cecci d’Amico would later contribute to such memorable Italian films as DeSica’s Bicycle Thieves (1948), Visconti’s Rocco and His Brothers (1960), and Francesco Rossi’s Salvatore Giuliano (1962). In Paul Rotha’s seminal book, The Film Till Now, within the book’s meagre section devoted to Italian cinema, Angelina is one of the few films singled out for attention.

Doors open at 18.30, for a 19.30 start.

Refreshments will be available in our licensed cafe/bar.

TICKETS & PRICING

Tickets £8 in advance or on the door.

Advance tickets may be purchased from Ticketlab, or direct from the Museum by calling 020 7840 2200 in office hours.