Mussolini ultimo atto

Ten years earlier Carlo Lizzani directed 'Processo di Verona' which depicted the trial and execution of Count Ciano, son-in-law of Benito Mussolini. In that film Mussolini is only spoken of and appears briefly in newsreels. He is very much in evidence here in the person of Rod Steiger. In what is for him a subdued performance he captures brilliantly the air of resignation of a man stripped of his power who has a growing realisation that he will not be saved by the Allies and that his days are numbered. This is a far cry from the strutting, bombastic Mussolini that Steiger was to portray later in 'Lion of the Desert'. There is also an outstanding performance by Lisa Gastoni as his mistress Claretta Petacci who wishes to die with him and whose wish is certainly granted! Scene stealer Henry Fonda appears as Cardinal Schuster which serves to remind us of the connection between the Catholic Church and Fascism, although by all accounts Schuster distanced himself from Mussolini's extreme policies. Lizzani's film lacks the edge and momentum of his earlier one but still has some excellent scenes, is visually impressive and serves as a powerful historical document.