The Path of Hope

This is a powerful, monumental film 'inspired' by a novel of Nino di Maria with screenplay by Fellini, Pinelli and Pietro Germi who directs. Cinematographer Leonida Barboni has captured incredible images, both scenically and facially whilst Carlo Rustichelli has contributed one of his most powerful scores. The burgeoning relationship between Saro and Barbera played by husband and wife team Raf Vallone and Elena Varzi is beautifully and sensitively handled. The final scene of the 'illegal' immigrants being intercepted in the snow by Franco-Italian customs officials is unforgettable. Not for nothing is this film named as one of the '100 Italian films to be saved' as it has majesty, vigour, character and humanity. Perhaps because it was released when people no longer wished to be reminded of economic hardship and were looking ahead to a brighter, more prosperous future, this film was not much lauded at the time although it did at least win the Silver Bear at the Berlin Film festival. One of Germi's best and sits honourably with 'Grapes of Wrath' as both drama and social commentary. Undeservedly neglected.