The Independent Film Journal (1954)

Italian Ticket Lures SOPHIA LOREN SILVANA MANGANO GINA LOLLOBRIGIDA ELEONORA DRAGO ANNA MAGNANI Slate Of 14 American Language Productions Geared By IFE For Release In Coming Months Boasting a full battery of feminine pulchri¬ tude among the major assets of its films, I.F.E. Releasing Corp. has prepared a slate of 10 American language productions which it will offer to American exhibitors through¬ out the remainder of the year. In addition, two films now playing pre-release engage¬ ments will be placed in general release dur¬ ing the period. Included in the casts of these Italian pro¬ duced features are such names as Gina Lollobrigida, Silvana Mangano, Silvana Pampanini and Eleonora Rossi Drago, the newest of the Italian femme stars. These girls have become symbols of the utmost in fe¬ male beauty, and American audiences have already demonstrated their appreciation of that fact. Two color productions, “Hurdy-Gurdy” (former title: “Neapolitan Carousel”) a multi-million dollar musical, and “Theodora, Slave Empress,” a lavish historical adven¬ ture, will also be released. The screening of the two films will be one of the highlights of the I.F.E. sales con¬ vention which convenes in New York Aug. fi, extending through Aug. 10. The conven¬ tion will be attended by division managers, district managers and salesmen from the six major sales districts as well as executives from the New York office. The lineup consists of “money-making attractions with pre-sold story and star Amedeo Nazzari and Silvana Pampanini in a moment from "A Husband for Anna" appeal to mass American audiences,” ac¬ cording to Bernard Jacon, vice-president in charge of sales and distribution. He noted that the new features have been chosen also for their suitability for adaptation into English via improved dubbing techniques. Jacon revealed that the 10 films were chosen after 100 features, all of which seemed possible candidates for importation into the U.S., were screened. Pictures came from a “backlog of high budgeted pictures from a booming Italian film industry,” he stated. I.F.E., which was given its corporate name on Dec. 1, 1952, has in the past 18 months “gained great experience in deter¬ mining the preference of both exhibitors and patrons in all types of situations, in all parts of the country,” according to the sales executive. Company made its first break through the “language barrier” with “Anna,” first major Italian film dubbed into English. All I.F.E. product has been and will con¬ tinue to be backed up by a barrage of fea¬ ture articles, pictorial layouts, news items and production information appearing in the top national magazines and in key news¬ papers, the company claims. It adds that columnists and radio commentators have helped spread the names of stars, Product is being further supported by advertising accessories and trailer material Cosetta Greco and Daniel Gelin play a scene from "Voice of Silence" as well as nationwide merchandising, ex¬ ploitation and promotion programs. These are being set up under the leadership of Jonas Rosenfield, Jr., vice-president in charge of advertising, exploitation and pub¬ licity. The new product lineup is slanted for the “A” and the “B” houses, with a special nod being made in the direction of the longrun policy houses and the drive-in theatres, Jacon reports. Exhibitors have been advised that they can count on I.F.E. product to bolster their bookings “in this period of un¬ certainty and shortages.” August release is “A Husband For Anna,” starring Miss Pampanini as a young pho¬ tographer’s model involved with a sailor sweetheart and a married boss. Film was directed by Giuseppe De Santis, who was responsible for “Bitter Rice” and “Rome, 11 o’clock.” The same month is the general release date of “Hell Raiders of the Deep,” a quasi-documentary now out in pre-release engagements. Feature co-stars Eleonora, Rossi Drago and Pierre Cressoy in an action thriller about the wartime exploits of Italy’s “Frog Men.” Highlight of the film is its underwater photography. September releases include “City Stands Trial,” topcasting Silvana Pampanini, in a suspense story about government corruption and the crime syndicates. This film was based ( Continued on page 34) Lais Maxwell and Luciano Della Marra are starred in "Aida," in color 20 THE INDEPENDENT FILM JOURNAL— August 7, 1954