Vulcano (1950)
Directed by William Dieterle

Film Review

Anna Magnani, icon of Italian cinema, turns in another riveting performance in this comparatively minor example of neo-realist cinema. Although the film does not have anything like the impact of those made by the masters of neo-realism (such as De Sica and Rossellini), it is still a compelling work, thanks largely to Magnani's haunting performance.  In her portrayal of a woman who has seen the world, been tainted by its vices, and who is then cruelly shunned by her own people, Magnani is - as ever - totally convincing.  Some fine neo-realist touches (notably the shark-fishing scene) and some rare comic moments just about make up for some obvious faults.

Perhaps the film's biggest shortcoming is its ending - the main narrative is abruptly cut short to make way for the (inevitable) volcanic eruption.  The editing is so crude that it almost looks as if two totally different films were ham-fistedly welded together.  The point of the film, presumably, is that Nature always has the upper hand over any petty human drama - a valid observation, but it does not really seem to work with the grain of the film.

Vulcano was made at the same time (and in the same location - in fact, on an adjacent island) that Roberto Rossellini was making his own volcano-centric drama - Stromboli (1950).  It is likely that Anna Magnani made Vulcano as an act of revenge against her former companion, Rossellini, when he left her to pursue his love affair with Ingrid Bergman (who stars in Stromboli).

Film Synopsis

Once charged with prostitution in Naples, Maddalena is sent by the Italian authorities back to her home village, on the island of Vulcano in southern Italy.  Aware of her disreputable past, the islanders treat Maddalena with contempt, and the only friends she has are her younger sister, Maria, and her small brother.   When Maria falls for a handsome diver, Maddalena is concerned, knowing that he is a procurer for a prostitution ring.  To prevent her sister from suffering her own fate, Maddalena decides to take matters into her own hands…