Aida (1953 film)
Aida is a 1953 Italian film version of the opera Aida by Giuseppe Verdi. It was directed by Clemente Fracassi and produced by Gregor Rabinovitch and Federico Teti. The screenplay was adapted by Fracassi, Carlo Castelli, Anna Gobbi, and Giorgio Salviucci from the libretto by Antonio Ghislanzoni. The cinematography was by Piero Portalupi, the production design by Flavio Mogherini and the costume design by Maria De Matteis. The RAI National Symphony Orchestra was conducted by Giuseppe Morelli, the ballet was choreographed by Margherita Wallmann.
| Aida | |
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 Original film poster | |
| Directed by | Clemente Fracassi |
| Produced by |
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| Written by |
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| Starring | |
| Music by | Giuseppe Verdi |
| Cinematography | Piero Portalupi |
| Edited by | Mario Bonotti |
| Distributed by |
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Release date |
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Running time | 95 minutes |
| Country | Italy |
| Language | Italian |
The film was screened out of competition at the 1987 Cannes Film Festival.[1]
Plot
Cast
| Character | Actor | Singing-voice double |
|---|---|---|
| Aida | Sophia Loren | Renata Tebaldi |
| Amneris | Lois Maxwell | Ebe Stignani |
| Radamès | Luciano Della Marra | Giuseppe Campora |
| Amonasro | Afro Poli | Gino Bechi |
| Ramfis | Antonio Cassinelli | Giulio Neri |
Yvette Chauviré and Léonide Massine are the dancers in the ballet with the Rome Opera Ballet.
Production notes
Renata Tebaldi was originally cast to play Aida, but she decided not to appear in the film. Gina Lollobrigida was also considered for the role, before Sophia Loren was cast. Loren claimed Lollobrigida turned down the part because Lollobrigida did not want to be dubbed by Renata Tebaldi, so Sophia took the role saying "I couldn't afford to be so proud".[2] This was Loren's first leading role and her performance was met with critical acclaim for her role as Aida.
References
- "Festival de Cannes: Aida". festival-cannes.com. Retrieved 24 July 2009.
- "Sophia’s Choices" by Sam Kashner, Vanity Fair, 14 February 2012
