The Betrothed (miniseries)

The Betrothed (Italian: I promessi sposi) is a 1989 Italian television miniseries starring Burt Lancaster and Franco Nero. It was directed by Salvatore Nocita, based on the 19th-century historical novel of the same name by Alessandro Manzoni.

The Betrothed
ItalianI promessi sposi
GenrePeriod drama
Based onThe Betrothed
by Alessandro Manzoni
Written byRoberta Mazzoni
Alessandro Manzoni
Directed bySalvatore Nocita
Starring
Theme music composerEnnio Morricone
Country of originItaly
Original languageItalian
No. of episodes5
Production
CinematographyŽivko Zalar
Running time450 minutes
Original release
NetworkRAI
ReleaseNovember 12 (1989-11-12) –
December 10, 1989 (1989-12-10)

Plot

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Set between 1629 and 1631, the adaptation tells the story of Renzo Tramaglino and Lucia Mondella, Lombard commoners forced to separate and endure a thousand vicissitudes due to the arrogance of the lord Don Rodrigo. However, during their journey they will find various people willing to help them, from Fra Cristoforo to the Innominato (first cruel and then converted), from Federigo Borromeo to Donna Prassede.

Cast

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Actor Role
Delphine Forest Lucia Mondella
Danny Quinn Renzo Tramaglino
Jenny Seagrove The Nun of Monza
Burt Lancaster Cardinal Federigo Borromeo
Franco Nero Friar Cristoforo
F. Murray Abraham Innominato
Gary Cady Don Rodrigo
Helmut Berger Egidio
Fernando Rey Attilio's Uncle
Valentina Cortese Donna Prassede
Gisela Stein Lucia's Mother
Alberto Sordi Don Abbondio
Dario Fo Azzeccagarbugli (lawyer)
Walter Chiari Tonio
Renzo Montagnani Don Ferrante
Mathieu Carrière Count Attilio
Giampiero Albertini Nibbio
Gordon Mitchell Don Gonzalo
Paolo Bonacelli Gertrude's Father
Martine Brochard Gertrude's Mother
Piera Degli Esposti Badessa
Leopoldo Trieste Lucio
Franco Citti Grignapoco
Rosalina Neri Perpetua
Enrico Beruschi Man of Letters
Stefano Davanzati Gentleman
Gianni Garko Gentleman's Brother
Bernhard Wicki Gentleman's Father
Gerardo Amato Collalto
Galeazzo Benti Ferrer
Flavio Bucci "Luna Piena" Policeman
Enzo Robutti "Luna Piena" Notary
Piero Mazzarella "Luna Piena" Innkeeper
Wilma De Angelis Maid
Oliviero Beha Health commissioner
Roberto Boninsegna Monatto
Didi Perego Factoress
Maria Monti Sister Vittoria
Annie Gorassini Sabetta
Camillo Milli Podestà
Corrado Lojacono Chairman of the Council
Antonella Elia Matilde

Reception

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The final episode had an audience of 12 million viewers in Italy.[1]

References

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  • Burt Lancaster. Da qui all'eternità, by Robyn Karney, A. S. Farina
  1. ^ Groves, Don (20 December 1989). "Top pix score well against adverse conditions". Variety. p. 33.
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