Watch The Secret of Santa Vittoria

The Secret of Santa Vittoria is a classic film released in 1969, directed by Stanley Kramer, and featuring a talented cast that includes Anthony Quinn, Anna Magnani, and Virna Lisi. The story takes place in a small Italian town called Santa Vittoria, where the Nazis have set their sights on looting the town's entire collection of wine. The wine, which is the town's livelihood, is their most valuable asset, and the townspeople must find a way to hide it from the Nazis.

Quinn stars as Italo Bombolini, the town's eccentric mayor who has a passion for wine and a well-known love of a good time. He is not taken seriously by many in the town, even though he has a keen sense of business and a deep love for his community. Anna Magnani is the strong-willed Rosa, the Mayor's wife, who has a strong sense of duty to the town despite her husband's often frivolous behavior. Her fierce determination helps guide the town throughout their struggle with the Nazis.

As the Nazis begin to close in on the town, Italo and his fellow townspeople hatch a plan to hide the wine. But their plan is risky and requires meticulous planning and deception. The townspeople must pretend that the wine has been destroyed in a great fire, while in reality, they are moving it to a secret location known as "the Beast."

The Secret of Santa Vittoria is a film of depth, humor, and historical significance. It explores the tensions between individual desires and the greater good, between the pursuit of pleasure and the importance of sacrifice for the sake of the community. The film also highlights the absurdity of war and its impact on ordinary people, the beauty of love, and the irrepressible spirit of Italian culture.

Quinn delivers a dynamic and captivating performance as Italo Bombolini, bringing depth and nuance to the character's complexities. Anna Magnani is equally impressive in her portrayal of Rosa, providing a much-needed backbone to the town's leadership. Virna Lisi, as the young and enchanting waitress Caterina, adds an element of lightheartedness and charm to the film.

The Secret of Santa Vittoria is a stunning visual feat as well, with picturesque shots of the Italian countryside and the vineyards that dot the landscape. The film also boasts a remarkable score composed by Ernest Gold, which adds an extra layer of emotional depth and grandeur to the film.

Overall, The Secret of Santa Vittoria is a timeless classic that examines the human condition in the face of adversity, and the importance of community, sacrifice, and perseverance. With its stellar cast, stunning visuals, and emotional depth, this film is a must-watch for anyone seeking a powerful and heartwarming story.

The Secret of Santa Vittoria is a 1969 comedy with a runtime of 2 hours and 19 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.