The Assassination of Matteotti


The Assassination of Matteotti is a 1973 Italian historical drama film directed by Florestano Vancini. The film tells the events that led to the tragic end of Giacomo Matteotti and to the establishment of the dictatorship of Benito Mussolini in Italy. It was awarded with the Special Jury Prize at the 8th Moscow International Film Festival.

Plot

In Rome, on 30 May 1924, the Honorable Giacomo Matteotti, secretary of the Unitarian Socialist Party, in a courageous and engaging speech, asked that the elections of 6 April 1924 be canceled, contesting their validity. The politician claims, in fact, that the government majority list was only nominally supported by more than 4 million votes, but did not obtain the votes in fact and freely: the voters, due to the illegality, the retaliation and the violence suffered they gave the National Fascist Party their assent.
These words immediately arouse reactions in the press and in public opinion and the fear of popular uprisings is also unleashed within the government. Nothing prevents the mysterious kidnapping of the deputy on 10 June. Public opinion is upset by this, the political opposition coagulates and decides to boycott the work of Parliament. It is difficult to start investigations for the discovery of Matteotti, but the media and public pressure forces Benito Mussolini to make decisions. A speech will be delivered to the Chamber by the future Duce on 3 January 1925: it will be the real beginning of the dictatorship.

Cast