The number of films shot in Verona shows how the “city of love” has always been the perfect location to set passionate and often romantic.
stories Between the Arena and Juliet’shouse, Verona has been chosen by many directors to set love films or comedies that tell and rediscover
the most beautiful and evocative places in the city. This close relationship between Verona and cinema was also strengthened by the creation of the thematic festival“Screens of Love” , dedicated specifically to romantic films
and which every year attracts enthusiasts from all over Italy.
The Lovers of Verona The relationship between cinema and Verona dates back many decades, when shortly after World War II, French director André Cayatte shot The Lovers of Verona
(1948), starring Serge Reggiani, Anouk Aimée and Pierre Brasseur. The protagonists of the film are two stunt doubles for the actors playing Romeo and Juliet whorelive firsthand the tormented love story between the two lovers. Needless to say, the highlight is the stunning scenery
that recalls the immortal Shakespearean work.
Films Shot in Verona: Fabiola A year later, Italian director Alessandro Blasetti set his Fabiola inVerona
starring Michèle Morgan, Henri Vidal and Michel Simon. The story is setat the beginning of the 4th century AD, when a young Gaul converted to Christianity becomes a gladiator in Rome and falls in love with Fabiola, the daughter of a senator who is killed. The two young people are accused of the crime and a ruthless persecution breaks out against them, forcing them to hide and live their love
dramatically. The film went down in history as the first Italian post-war blockbuster and was a box office hit
of the 1948-49 film season.
Spartacus – The Thracian Gladiator Also a gladiator is the protagonist of Spartacus– The Thracian Gladiator 1953, an Italian-French co-production from 1954, directed by the master Riccardo Fredaand featuring an exceptional cast including
Massimo Girotti, Ludmilla Tchérina, Yves Vincent and Carlo Ninchi. Without even saying it, the protagonist is Spartacus, a Roman soldier turned gladiator who decides to lead a rebellion to gain freedom for all slaves like him. Torn between lovefor Sabina, daughter of his former master, and his
mission,the man will be forced into one last, fatal battle. Image Source
Films Shot in Verona: 1961 Barabbas This film is also a co-production, but between Italy and the United States. Directed byRichard Fleischer , it starsAnthony Quinn,
Silvana Mangano and Vittorio Gassman. At the center of the story is Barabbas (Quinn) who, despite Jesus’ words at the crucifixion, resumes his life oftheft and murder. He is arrested and sentenced to work in aSicilian mine, but manages to escape and returns to Rome where he converts to Christianity and takes part in fires and looting. His fate can only be toreturn to the cross,
dying this time as a Christian.Image Source
The Lovers Must Learn The following year saw the release of the film The Lovers Must Learn by Delmer Daves starring Troy Donahue, Rossano Brazzi
and Angie Dickinson. It is a love story featuring the American Prudence who, upon arriving in Rome, falls in love with Don. The two travel around Italy together, also staying in Verona. However, when they return to the capital, Don falls back into the arms of hisex-girlfriend, while Prudence seekscomfort in Roberto, a man she befriended during the crossing from the United States. A love story with a happy ending
and a strong tourist dimension, where Verona and Italy shine with all their charm and beauty. Films Shot in Verona:.
The Male Blackbird Also set in Verona is
The Male Blackbird, a film shot in 1971 by Pasquale Festa Campanile starringLando Buzzanca, 1972 Laura Antonelli and Ferruccio De Ceresa. The protagonist is a frustrated cellist who, to attract attention, exploitsthe beauty and allure
of his wife, forcing her to perform nude in the Verona Arena during the performance of Aida. The man ends up in a mental hospital.It is a funny comedy.
that was also widely exported abroad and hinges on the chameleon-like talent of Buzzanca and the extraordinary beauty of Antonelli. Letters to Juliet Moving to more recent times,
Romeo and Juliet return as protagonists in the film
Letters to Juliet. The film is from 2010,directed by Gary Winick and starring Amanda Seyfried and Vanessa Redgrave. It isan original reinterpretation 2010 of the story of Romeo and Juliet. The protagonist is journalist Sophie who one day comes across a
letter left fifty years earlier in the courtyard of Juliet’s house. Inside is the love declaration from Claire to Lorenzo. Curious to know the protagonists of that poignant love story, Sophie tracks down Claire. Their meeting in Verona sparks a romantic adventure that will change their lives. The film is a tourism advertisement for Italy that every tourist dreams of. It is set in a
fairytale Verona where you can eat, stroll and dream of a different life. Image Source Films Shot in Verona: Rockstar
Finally, Verona is also the setting for theIndian film Rockstar,
directed in 2011 by Imtiaz Ali and starring Ranbir Kapoor, Nargis Fakhri and Shammi Kapoor. The protagonist isJordan, 2011 an Indian boy who dreams of becoming an
international rockstar. After severaladventures, he finally achieves his dream and takes the stage at the Verona Arena to perform in front of apacked crowd of fans. If you want to rediscover the locations of films shot in Verona, sign up for
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