La Marcia su Roma (1963)
Directed by Dino Risi

Film Review

In a similar vein to René Clément's dark comedy Quelle joie de vivre (1960), La Marcia su Roma (a.k.a. March on Rome) takes an acutely derisive, indeed farcical, look at the early days of Fascism in 1920s Italy. Through the comical experiences of two good-for-nothing loons, the film shows how widespread disillusionment with left-wing politics and post-war hardship allowed Benito Mussolini's Fascist movement to take hold of Italy in the bitter aftermath of World War I.

The film manages to be both an historically accurate depiction of a world-changing event (Il Duce's all-too-easy rise to power) and also a thoughtful satire on the dangers and absurdity of all political ideology. The film was directed with his customary flair by Dino Risi, an acclaimed Italian filmmaker whose diverse works include Una vita difficile (1961), Il sorpasso (1962), Profumo di donna (1974) and Fantasma d'amore (1981).

The pair of likeable idiots who take us through this highly entertaining anti-Fascist romp are affectionately portrayed by Vittorio Gassman (one of the greatest of all Italian screen actors) and Ugo Tognazzi, another prolific actor who is now famous for his memorable appearances in two French cult comedies of the 1970s - La Grande bouffe (1973) and La Cage aux folles (1978). La Marcia su Roma is among Dino Risi's more enjoyable films, an informative historical document as well as an essential Italian comedy.

Film Synopsis

In 1922, Domenico Rochetti, an unemployed First World War veteran living in Milan, enlists in the newly formed Fascist party, at the advice of his former captain.  Since the end of the war, Rochetti has become increasingly dismayed with the way things have been going in his country and he feels that a change is long overdue.  He subsequently meets up with Umberto Gavazza, a fellow comrade in arms, who also agrees to join the Fascists, having grown fed up with the empty promises of the socialists.  During an anti-strike uprising, the two men are arrested and sent to prison.

In October, Domenico and Umberto allow themselves to be recruited by Mussolini's Black Shirts and are coerced into joining the march to Rome, a demonstration of popular support which the Fascists hope will give them control over their country.  On the way, the two men begin to see the true nature of Fascism and soon become sceptical that it will improve matters for the ordinary man and woman in present day Italy.  At great risk of their lives, they abscond from the march, both desperately fearful for what the future may hold for their country.