The Myth of the Italiani Brava Gente in Cinema Since 1945

Author

• Bradley P. Reimer, University of MississippiFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-7-2026

Document Type

Undergraduate Thesis

Department

History

First Advisor

Robert Corban

Second Advisor

Elisa Modolo

Third Advisor

Michelle Emanuel

Relational Format

Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract

The myth of the italiani brava gente has been intertwined with cinema since the end of the Second World War. This thesis aims to examine the ways in which these movies, from neorealist classics to disregarded comedies, are influenced by this myth.

By analyzing thirteen films of both Italian and American origin, clear trends begin to emerge between the socioeconomic state of Italy and the ways in which the myth is manifested on the silver screen. When Italy emerges from the war a rebuilding country, the films focus on the futility of war and the evil of Nazi Germany. During the years of social revolution, cinema both from the peninsula and abroad seemed to acknowledge the ways in which Italy oppressed civilians and the subjected. At the sunset of the 20th century, though, films once again started to deemphasize the complicity of Italian soldiers in Mussolini’s war machine.

From archival newspaper articles, one can gain insight into both the production and reception of these films in Italy and the United States. By doing so, it becomes evident that audiences oftentimes appreciated the italiani brava gente overtones of the films they watched, yet they also were receptive towards films that criticized the myth.

Recommended Citation

Reimer, Bradley P., "The Myth of the Italiani Brava Gente in Cinema Since 1945" (2026). Honors Theses. 3439.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/3439

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