Watch Una su 13

Una su 13, also known as The 13 Chairs and 12 + 1, is a 1969 Italian comedy film with an ensemble cast featuring Vittorio Gassman, Sharon Tate, Orson Welles, Vittorio De Sica, and many other prominent actors of the time. The movie operates around a delightful blend of comedy and lighthearted adventure, showcasing a mix of European elegance and whimsy in a narrative that takes audiences across various locales and humorous situations.

Vittorio Gassman is Mario Beretti, a young and charming antique dealer who resides in London. He embodies the archetypal suave Italian gentleman, a character with an eye for beauty, be it in the objects he sells or the people he encounters. His world takes a curious turn when he inherits a set of 13 antique chairs from his late aunt, a seemingly inconsequential event that sets the pace for the ensuing comedic treasure hunt that serves as the film's central plot. Unbeknownst to Mario initially, these chairs are worth much more than they seem, holding a secret that could vastly change his fortunes.

Sharon Tate plays the role of Pat, a secretary and ambitious dreamer whose path crosses with Mario's in an entwine of fate and opportunity. Pat provides not only a romantic interest for Mario but also serves as his accomplice and partner-in-crime as they embark on their frantic quest. Though her career was tragically cut short, Tate’s performance in Una su 13 highlights her comedic talent and radiant screen presence, giving the film a touch of Hollywood glamour.

As Mario and Pat delve deeper into their adventure, they learn that the chairs have been scattered to the four winds, each finding its way to a different owner. This circumstance leads to a series of amusing encounters and escapades, as each chair's current holder proves to be a unique character with their own quirks and foibles. From auctions to private collections, from humble abodes to the grand estates, the duo must navigate through a tapestry of social settings, engaging in witty dialogues and slapstick humor.

The assembly of the other characters they meet along the way includes Orson Welles as Maurice Markau, a wealthy art collector with an insatiable appetite for unique pieces that catch his eye. Vittorio De Sica plays the role of an eccentric millionaire whose eccentricity is matched only by his love for his odd collection of artifacts. These heavyweight actors contribute to the film’s charm with their performances and interactions.

In this treasure hunt, Una su 13 manages to intertwine the allure of a mystery with the heartiness of a comedy. It plays upon the contrast between the value of the mundane and the extraordinary—focusing on how sometimes what seems like just a piece of furniture can hold untold wealth. Additionally, the count of the chairs builds anticipation and serves as a running gag throughout the movie as Mario and Pat come one step closer—or sometimes two steps further away—from their goal with each chair they track down.

The film also provides critical commentary on human greed and the hilarious lengths to which people will go to chase fortune and success. While the protagonists are driven by a very real financial objective, their journey is comically contrasted with their personal growth and the absurd situations they find themselves in. Adding to the essence of 1960s cinema, the film is also an aesthetic treat, featuring the era's fashion, design, and a sense of freedom characteristic of that period in European filmmaking.

The direction of Una su 13 is a collaborative effort between Nicolas Gessner and Luciano Lucignani, who manage to weave a narrative that is cohesive despite the multiple subplots and characters. The directors artfully balance the film's pacing, moving swiftly between scenes without losing sight of the comedic timing necessary for such an adventure to remain engaging and entertaining. They successfully manage to highlight each actor's comedic abilities while maintaining a steady focus on the primary storyline.

The cinematography, often playful and dynamic, matches the tempo of the escapade. It captures the beautiful European settings that form the backdrop of Mario and Pat's journey, setting a visual tone that complements the film’s lighthearted nature. The music, in its turn, underscores the tempo and mood of each scene, further enhancing the viewer’s immersion in the fast-paced chase and providing a melodic counterpart to the unfolding action.

Una su 13 stands as a fun romp through comedy and adventure, a film that while not as widely remembered as some of its contemporaries, offers a portrayal of notable actors in a refreshingly whimsical setting. It promises laughter and a sense of wonder at the joyously absurd lengths to which fortune can take us, all wrapped in an escapist cinemagic typical of its era.