Pagliacci (1948): Besetzung, Handlung & Streaming

Released in 1948, Pagliacci is a drama and musik film directed by Mario Costa, running about 67 minutes.

What it’s about. Pagliacci, is a 1948 Italian film based on Ruggero Leoncavallo's opera Pagliacci, directed by Mario Costa. The film stars Tito Gobbi and Gina Lollobrigida. It recounts the tragedy of Canio, the lead clown (or pagliaccio in Italian) in a commedia dell'arte troupe, his wife Nedda, and her lover, Silvio. When Nedda spurns the advances of Tonio, another player in the troupe, he tells Canio about Nedda's betrayal. In a jealous rage Canio murders both Nedda and Silvio. The only actor in the cast who also sang his role was the celebrated Italian baritone, Tito Gobbi, but the film is largely very faithful to its source material, presenting the opera nearly complete.

Who’s in it. Pagliacci stars Tito Gobbi as Tonio/Silvio, Gina Lollobrigida as Nedda, Onelia Fineschi as Nedda (singing voice) and Afro Poli as Canio, master of the troupe, among others.

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

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