The Story

The noblest, most refined film ever made…maybe Renoir’s masterpiece.” – François Truffaut

At his greatest, Jean Renoir expressed the beauty in our common humanity [and] that’s what Anna Magnani at her greatest expressed…his tribute to commedia della’arte is also a tribute to her fabulous gifts, and she gives the film its gusto.” – Pauline Kael

Extravagant production design, magnificent costumes, music from Vivaldi, a magnetic performance from Anna Magnani and exquisite Technicolor cinematography from Renoir’s son Claude – they are all brilliantly delivered in this 4K Ultra HD restoration of The Golden Coach. It’s arguably one of the greatest colour films ever made. In a dusty Peruvian frontier town in the 18th Century, Camilla (Magnani) and a troupe of Italian travelling players arrive to bring their art to South American audiences. The town is run by an arrogant Spanish viceroy who competes with a gentleman soldier and a local bullfighter for Camilla’s love. Camilla, however, is struggling to differentiate between this reality and the stage.

Introduced by Margot Nash at Ritz Cinemas and Peter Hourigan Lido Cinemas.

My principal collaborator on this film was the late Antonio Vivaldi. I wrote the script while listening to records of his music and his wit and sense of drama led me on to developments in the best traditions of Italian theatre.” – Jean Renoir 

Every character is filled with warmth, humanity, complexity, insight and sympathy.” – Derek Hunter 

While artists have often addressed the confusion of reality and fiction, few have done it with as much grace and love as Renoir.” - Virgin Film Guide 

Rating

G

Duration

103 min

Cast

Anna Magnani, Odoardo Spadaro, Duncan Lamont

Director

Jean Renoir