Intense and passionate portrait of the renowned Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi, the narrative traces the most significant milestones of his life and career, offering a deep insight into the man behind the myth.
The story follows Verdi’s life from his humble childhood in the countryside, through personal hardships (including the premature loss of loved ones) and early artistic disappointments, up to his triumphant rise on Italian and international stages. Giuseppe Verdi’s figure is depicted not only by showcasing his unparalleled musical talent but also as a man profoundly marked by passion, love, and pain, capable of transforming his emotions into operatic works that still move hearts today. Verdi’s famous melodies accompany every key moment of the narration; his music becomes the very voice of the Italian soul, an expression of an era and a people in ferment.
The pages of his life, immersed in the political tensions of a Italy fighting for unity and freedom, are enriched by fundamental figures such as his wife Margherita and his closest collaborators, who deeply influenced Verdi’s artistic and personal journey. The relationship with the public and critics, his civic engagement, and his ability to innovate musical language without betraying tradition are also highlighted. Characterized by an intimate dimension, the story authentically captures the emotional nuances of the composer through warm imagery and elegant yet never detached staging. Giuseppe Verdi pays a passionate homage to an icon of Italian culture—a journey into the life of a man who transformed his existence into an immortal work, a symbol of timeless passion, talent, and dedication.

Director: Raffaello Matarazzo Story: Maleno Malenotti Screenplay: Leonardo Benvenuti, Liana Ferri, Raffaello Matarazzo, Mario Monicelli, Piero Pierotti, Giovanna Soria Photography: Tino Santoni Editing: Mario Serandrei Camera operator: Enrico Cignitti Music: Giuseppe Verdi Set design: Alberto Boccianti Costume design: Dina Di Bari Cast: Pierre Cressoy (Giuseppe Verdi), Anna Maria Ferrero (Margherita Barezzi), Gaby André (Giuseppina Strepponi), Sandro Ruffini (Impresario Marelli / Impresario Varelli), Camillo Pilotto (Antonio Barezzi), Laura Gore (Berberina Strepponi), Loris Gizzi (Gioacchino Rossini), Emilio Cigoli (Gaetano Donizetti), Mario Del Monaco (Francesco Tamagno), Tito Gobbi (Giorgio Ronconi), Enzo Biliotti (Impresario Martini), Aldo Bufi Landi (Alexandre Dumas fils), Guido Celano (Victor Hugo), Irene Genna (Violetta), Franca Dominici (Rossini's Wife), Mario Ferrari (Austrian Officer), Enrico Glori (La Fenice Theatre Official), Turi Pandolfini (Pawn Shop Clerk) Production: Maleno Malenotti for Consorzio Verdi, G.E.S.I. Cinematografica, PAT Film Distribution: PAT - Regional - Videogram (in Italy) Year: 1953 Running Time: 121'