General Della Rovere 1959
Roberto Rossellini's *General Della Rovere* (1959) is a gripping war drama that explores the blurred lines between deception and redemption.
Director: Roberto Rossellini
Cast
Vittorio De Sica
Bardone AKA 'Grimaldi'
Hannes Messemer
S.S. Colonel Mueller
Vittorio Caprioli
Aristide Banchelli
Nando Angelini
Paolo
Herbert Fischer
Sergeant Walter Hageman
Mary Greco
Vera (the madam)
Bernardo Menicacci
Prison guard
Lucia Modugno
Partisan girl
Luciano Pigozzi
Prisoner
Kurt Polter
German officer
Frequently Asked Questions
What is General Della Rovere (1959) about?
The film follows Vittorio Bardone, a petty con man in Nazi-occupied Italy, who is forced by the Gestapo to impersonate a dead partisan general. His mission is to extract information from prisoners, but as he delves deeper into the role, his conscience is tested in unexpected ways.
Who directed General Della Rovere?
Roberto Rossellini, a pioneering figure of Italian neorealism, helmed *General Della Rovere*. Known for his socially conscious storytelling, Rossellini crafts a morally complex drama rooted in wartime Italy.
Who stars in General Della Rovere?
The film stars Vittorio De Sica in the lead role, with Hannes Messemer, Vittorio Caprioli, and Nando Angelini rounding out the principal cast.
Is General Della Rovere (1959) worth watching?
If you appreciate character-driven war dramas with themes of identity and moral ambiguity, *General Della Rovere* is absolutely worth your time. Rossellini's direction and De Sica's performance elevate it beyond a typical wartime thriller.
How long is General Della Rovere?
The film runs for 132 minutes, offering a tightly paced narrative that balances tension and introspection.
🎥 Trailer
About General Della Rovere (1959) — A con artist's moral reckoning in WWII-era Italy
Roberto Rossellini's *General Della Rovere* (1959) is a gripping war drama that explores the blurred lines between deception and redemption. Set against the tense backdrop of Nazi-occupied Italy, the film follows Vittorio De Sica's con artist Vittorio Bardone, who is coerced by the Gestapo into impersonating a fallen partisan leader. Trapped between the ruthless demands of his captors and the moral weight of his imposture, Bardone's journey becomes a haunting meditation on identity, sacrifice, and the cost of survival. The stark black-and-white cinematography heightens the film's atmosphere of moral ambiguity, making it a standout in post-war Italian cinema.
As Bardone navigates the perilous role he's forced into, the film questions whether authenticity lies in actions or intentions. Rossellini crafts a tense, dialogue-driven narrative that blends historical weight with intimate character drama. With its unforgettable performances and unflinching portrayal of wartime ethics, *General Della Rovere* remains a compelling study of human resilience under pressure.
