The Secret of Santa Vittoria Poster

The Secret of Santa Vittoria 1970

★ 6.958 votes139 min📅 1970-01-02

"In the beginning there was Bombolini the fool, Bombolini the drunk, Bombolini the joke. In the end there was Bombolini the mayor, Bombolini the hero, Bombolini the beautiful. In between is the secret of Santa Vittoria."

Set against the dramatic backdrop of World War II, *The Secret of Santa Vittoria (1970)* follows the quirky yet courageous residents of a small Italian village who turn the tables on German occupiers.

Director: Stanley Kramer

Cast

Anthony Quinn
Anthony Quinn
Italo Bombolini
Anna Magnani
Anna Magnani
Rosa
Giancarlo Giannini
Giancarlo Giannini
Fabio
Virna Lisi
Virna Lisi
Caterina Malatesta
Hardy Krüger
Hardy Krüger
Capt. von Prum
Wolfgang Jansen
Wolfgang Jansen
Feldwebel Zopf
Peter Kuiper
Feldwebel Traub
Sergio Franchi
Tufa
Renato Rascel
Renato Rascel
Babbaluche
Patrizia Valturri
Patrizia Valturri
Angela

Frequently Asked Questions

What is *The Secret of Santa Vittoria* (1970) about?

This 1970 film centers on a picturesque Italian village during World War II, where residents, led by their eccentric mayor, hide their precious wine reserves from German occupiers. Their cunning plan transforms them from powerless civilians into unlikely heroes, turning comedy and community spirit into weapons of resistance.

Who directed *The Secret of Santa Vittoria*?

Stanley Kramer directed *The Secret of Santa Vittoria*. Known for his socially conscious storytelling, Kramer crafted a film that blends humor with the gravity of wartime survival.

Who stars in *The Secret of Santa Vittoria*?

The film features Anthony Quinn as the mayor Bombolini, alongside Anna Magnani, Giancarlo Giannini, Virna Lisi, and Hardy Krüger in pivotal roles.

Is *The Secret of Santa Vittoria* (1970) worth watching?

With its unique blend of comedy and drama, *The Secret of Santa Vittoria* offers a heartfelt and entertaining take on wartime resistance. Kramer's direction and strong performances make it a standout in the genre, though its slower moments may not appeal to all viewers looking for high-octane action.

How long is *The Secret of Santa Vittoria*?

The runtime of *The Secret of Santa Vittoria* is 139 minutes, or just over two hours.

🎥 Trailer

About The Secret of Santa Vittoria (1970) — A WWII Comedy-Drama of Resistance and Wit

Set against the dramatic backdrop of World War II, *The Secret of Santa Vittoria (1970)* follows the quirky yet courageous residents of a small Italian village who turn the tables on German occupiers. Led by the charismatic yet unconventional mayor Bombolini (Anthony Quinn), the villagers embark on a brilliant act of defiance—not with weapons, but with wit and a shared secret. Their weapon? Hundreds of bottles of wine, cleverly hidden as the Germans relentlessly search for supplies. Directed by Stanley Kramer, this blend of comedy, drama, and wartime intrigue transforms an ordinary town into an unlikely bastion of resistance, where resilience and humor become the ultimate tools of survival.

With a stellar cast including Anna Magnani, Giancarlo Giannini, and Virna Lisi, the film balances heartfelt moments with sharp wit, capturing the spirit of a community united against oppression. Kramer's direction infuses the story with warmth and authenticity, making *The Secret of Santa Vittoria* a unique exploration of courage in the face of tyranny. The film's playful yet poignant tone invites viewers into a world where even the smallest acts of defiance can light a path through darkness.