Cielo sulla palude (1949): Besetzung, Handlung & Streaming

Released in 1949, Cielo sulla palude is a drama film directed by Augusto Genina, running about 111 minutes.

What it’s about. Unlike most Italian films of the 1940s, Augusto Genina's Cielo Sulla Palude opened in Venice rather than Rome. The film's American title was Heaven Over the Marshes, and indeed most of the story is set in the disease-ridden Pontine Marshes on the outskirts of Rome. This was the home of Maria Goretti, a pious young girl who was murdered by her would-be seducer. For reasons elucidated in the course of the film, Maria's short time on earth made her worthy of Sainthood, which was actually bestowed upon her shortly after the release of this film. Maria Goretti is well-played by Ines Orsini. Cielo Sulla Palude served as the comeback feature for director Augusto Genina, whose previous pro-fascist films had caused him to be blacklisted after WW II.

Who’s in it. Cielo sulla palude stars Inés Orsini as Maria Goretti, Giovanni Martella as Luigi Goretti - il padre di Maria, Mauro Matteucci as Alessandro Serenelli and Rubi D'Alma as La contessa Teneroni, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 5.4/10, Cielo sulla palude has proved divisive with audiences.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Cielo sulla palude page.

If you liked it. Fans of Cielo sulla palude tend to enjoy Die Verurteilten, Der Pate, Schindlers Liste and Der Pate - Teil II.