Shoeshine (1946)

Recommended

Italy

Feature Film

Original Title: Sciuscià

Director: Vittorio De Sica

Writers: Sergio Amidei, Adolfo Franci, C.G. Viola, Cesare Zavattini

Cinematographer: Anchise Brizzi

Composer: Alessandro Cicognini

Cast: Franco Interlenghi, Rinaldo Smordoni, Annielo Mele, Bruno Ortenzi, Emilio Cigoli

De Sica’s moving examination of the effects of post-war privation on the children of Rome – focussing on two young friends that work as shoeshine boys, who are tricked into becoming accessories to burglary, and end up in a juvenile prison – is a passionate and heartfelt if perhaps occasionally slightly manipulative work, which tugs gently at the heartstrings. Iain.Stott