I raggi “Z” 1917
I raggi "Z" (1917) represents a fascinating piece of early Italian cinema, recently brought back to light through careful film preservation efforts.
Director: Eleuterio Ridolfi
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is I raggi "Z" (1917) about?
The film follows a group of seamstresses who disguise themselves as geese, creating comedic situations in a snowy Turin setting. This playful premise drives a charming narrative typical of early silent Italian cinema.
Who directed I raggi "Z"?
The film was directed by Eleuterio Ridolfi, an early Italian filmmaker whose work has been gradually rediscovered by film historians and preservationists.
Who stars in I raggi "Z"?
The main cast includes Ercole Vaser, Gigetta Morano, and Ersilia Scalpellini, whose performances anchor this whimsical silent comedy.
Is I raggi "Z" (1917) worth watching?
For silent film enthusiasts and those interested in cinema history, this rediscovered gem offers unique historical value and quirky charm despite its fragmentary survival.
How long is I raggi "Z"?
The film has a runtime of 38 minutes, though only portions have survived from the original version.
I raggi "Z" (1917): Silent Comedy Rediscovered — Full Movie Info
I raggi "Z" (1917) represents a fascinating piece of early Italian cinema, recently brought back to light through careful film preservation efforts. Directed by Eleuterio Ridolfi, this 38-minute silent film tells a charming story centered around seamstresses who disguise themselves as geese—a whimsical premise that captures the playful spirit of the era. The film's journey from obscurity to rediscovery mirrors its own themes of transformation and masquerade.
The movie's fragmented history adds to its mystique. A 15-minute segment was first uncovered in the early 1990s at the CNC in Paris, initially misidentified as Oca alla Colbert (1913) due to its memorable goose-costume scenes. By 2009, enough footage had been recovered to present 30 minutes of the French version at the Cinema Ritrovato festival, celebrating both the film and its connection to actress Gigetta Morano and director Ridolfi. This rediscovery has allowed modern audiences to glimpse the creative storytelling of early 20th-century Italian filmmaking.
With performances by Ercole Vaser and Ersilia Scalpellini alongside Morano, I raggi "Z" offers a window into pre-war European cinema. Though unrated on IMDb, its historical significance and unique premise make it a worthwhile find for silent film enthusiasts and those interested in cinema archaeology.