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Rating: Since these films haven't been reviewed yet, I take this opportunity.
The Don Camillo films are a successful series written between 1951 and 1965, and they undoubtedly constitute a piece of our cinema history, known and appreciated even abroad. I've often talked to foreign youngsters, who, upon hearing the word "Brescello" (the town where they're set), immediately referred to these films. The first time I saw them, it was my father who convinced me, and I wasn't exactly enthusiastic about the idea, I thought I wouldn't appreciate them. I was immediately proven wrong! They quickly made it onto the list of my favorites (and not because of the nickname...). Since then, I've probably seen them about ten times and they still don't bore me!
Based on the novels by Giovanni Guareschi, these are films that are entertaining, relaxing, educational, and thoughtful at the same time. Besides a strong and never vulgar irony, they also serve as a mirror of the society of those years. As mentioned, the town where they take place is Brescello, a small village located in the lowlands of Reggio, on the banks of the Po, where there is also a museum dedicated to Don Camillo and Peppone. The eternal struggle between the priest, the mayor and their respective followers represents the post-war rivalry at its peak between Christian Democrats and Communists, although here, with very rare exceptions, it's somewhat downplayed, as the protagonists are friends at heart. A sort of love-hate relationship. There are also vivid portrayals of common life of those years, with its values like solidarity, its hard work, and its humility, things that have somewhat faded over the years.
The lead actors, Fernandel (Don Camillo) and Gino Cervi (Peppone), were certainly the best choices. They seem perfectly suited for their roles. Not surprisingly, some attempted remakes made after 1965, even with high-level artists, left both the audience and critics rather cold, as no one could immerse themselves so well into their characters as the aforementioned original actors.
"The Return of Don Camillo" is the second installment of the series (1952) and in my opinion is the best. The direction is by Julien Duvivier, and thus the production is Italian-French.
A peculiar feature of this and all other episodes is that the priest communicates with God. The scene where he carries the cross on his shoulders along a rugged path, having a confrontation with Him about their respective experiences, is epic.
Don Camillo had been removed from the town for behavior not quite befitting his role and relocated to a remote mountain village. Soon, however, all of Brescello's residents began to miss him, so Peppone went to the bishop to convince him to let him return, who, albeit with some reluctance, agreed. There is also an ongoing battle between Peppone and the landowner Cagnola, because he doesn't want to surrender his lands for the construction of some dams, in anticipation of an impending flood. Thanks mainly to the returning priest, this issue is (almost) resolved. Naturally, the various arguments and disputes between priest and mayor are quick to resume. There is also a tragic side to the film, especially when the Peppone-Cagnola rivalry is passed on to the children. The mayor's son is hit by a stone thrown by the landlord's son and his life is in danger. Fortunately, he survives. Meanwhile, the flood keeps advancing relentlessly, and many people are evacuated from their homes. Towards the end, there's a clear demonstration of the true relationship between the two protagonists. Despite the flood, Don Camillo does not forego celebrating mass, and in the church, he is hit by some bricks that throw him into the water. He is saved by the timely intervention of Peppone, who rescues him alongside the "immortal" Dr. Spiletti. Once ashore, as usual, they resume arguing. This is the common thread of these films. Two sworn enemies in appearance, but always ready to help each other in times of need. The ending shows the return of the sun and the population beginning a tough and laborious reconstruction.
A very pleasant film, that I highly recommend to anyone (I believe very few) who hasn't seen it.
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