The Scientific Cardplayer
The Scientific Cardplayer (Italian: Lo Scopone Scientifico) is a 1973 Italian comedy-drama film directed by Luigi Comencini. The screenplay was written by Rodolfo Sonego.
| The Scientific Cardplayer Lo Scopone Scientifico | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Theatrical release poster by Renato Casaro | |
| Directed by | Luigi Comencini |
| Produced by | Dino De Laurentiis |
| Screenplay by | Rodolfo Sonego |
| Starring | Alberto Sordi, Silvana Mangano, Bette Davis |
| Music by | Piero Piccioni |
| Cinematography | Giuseppe Ruzzolini |
| Edited by | Nino Baragli |
Production company | |
Release date |
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Running time | 115 minutes |
| Country | Italy |
| Language | Italian |
Synopsis
An aging and wealthy American woman journeys to Rome each year with her chauffeur George to play the card game scopone with destitute Peppino and his wife Antonia. The annual scenario remains unchanged: she donates the initial stakes so they can play, then ultimately wins the game, shattering the couple's dream of scoring a victory and improving their lot in life. Eventually their daughter Cleopatra seeks revenge on her parents' behalf.
Production notes
The film's Italian title is Lo Scopone Scientifico.
Bette Davis was in the midst of a three-week vacation at the health spa La Costa in Carlsbad, California when she received the script. On 24-hour notice, she flew to Rome for filming. It wasn't until the first day of shooting she learned the dialogue was to be recorded in Italian.
This was the third on-screen pairing for Davis and Joseph Cotten. They previously co-starred in Beyond the Forest (1949) and Hush...Hush, Sweet Charlotte (1964).
Principal cast
- Joseph Cotten as George
- Alberto Sordi as Peppino
- Silvana Mangano as Antonia
- Antonella Demaggi as Cleopatra
- Mario Carotenuto as The Professor
- Domenico Modugno as Righetto
Principal production credits
- Produced by Dino De Laurentiis
- Original music by Piero Piccioni
- Cinematography by Giuseppe Ruzzolini
- Art direction by Luigi Scaccianoce
- Costume design by Bruna Parmesan
Critical reception
TV Guide wrote "One's enjoyment of this picture is correlated with one's understanding of scopa." [1]
Awards
- 1973 David di Donatello Award for Best Actor (Alberto Sordi, winner)
- 1973 David di Donatello Award for Best Actress (Silvana Mangano, winner)
- 1973 Italian National Syndicate of Film Journalists Nastro d'Argento for Best Supporting Actor (Mario Carotenuto, winner)