Harlem
Synopsis
This propaganda film was partly inspired by the story of the first Italian heavyweight champion Primo Carnera who, after winning the title with Al Capone’s help in 1933, was beaten the following year by the Jewish Max Bear and then again by the ‘Brown Bomber’ Detroit Joe Lewis in June 1935, on the eve of the Italian invasion of Ethiopia. This match provoked numerous racial skirmishes on the streets of Harlem between the Black community and pro-Fascist Italian-Americans. The film overturns historical facts and here, obviously, it is the white boxer who wins in order to demonstrate the superiority of the “Aryan Italians” over the “sinister Jewish entrepreneurs” and the “savage Afro-American fans in Yankee Stadium”. In the film, these were played by South African prisoners-of-war interred in a work camp, which the German and Italian propaganda ministries had set up near Cinecittà “for cinematic purposes”.
Top Cast
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Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Carmine Gallone
- Screenplay & Story
- Sergio Amidei, Emilio Cecchi, Guido Angeli, Pietro Petroselli
- Original Score
- Willy Ferrero
- Original Title
- Harlem
- Country of Origin
- Italy
- Spoken Languages
- Italian
- Runtime
- 1h 53m
- Production Studios
- Cines
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Carmine Gallone
Sergio Amidei, Emilio Cecchi, Guido Angeli, Pietro Petroselli, Giuseppe Achille
Willy Ferrero
Anchise Brizzi
Renzo Lucidi, Maria Rosada
Jacopo Comin
Department Leadership Roster
Giuseppe Achille
Writer
Sergio Amidei
Screenplay
Emilio Cecchi
Screenplay
Guido Angeli
Screenplay
Pietro Petroselli
Screenplay
Jacopo Comin
Producer
Anchise Brizzi
Director of Photography
Renzo Lucidi
Editor
Maria Rosada
Editor
Guido Fiorini
Production Design
Italo Tomassi
Production Design
Aldo Calvo
Costume Design
Carmine Gallone
Director
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Harlem.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Harlem
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Harlem about?
This propaganda film was partly inspired by the story of the first Italian heavyweight champion Primo Carnera who, after winning the title with Al Capone’s help in 1933, was beaten the following year by the Jewish Max Bear and then again by the ‘Brown Bomber’ Detroit Joe Lewis in June 1935, on the eve of the Italian invasion of Ethiopia. This match provoked numerous racial skirmishes on the streets of Harlem between the Black community and pro-Fascist Italian-Americans. The film overturns historical facts and here, obviously, it is the white boxer who wins in order to demonstrate the superiority of the “Aryan Italians” over the “sinister Jewish entrepreneurs” and the “savage Afro-American fans in Yankee Stadium”. In the film, these were played by South African prisoners-of-war interred in a work camp, which the German and Italian propaganda ministries had set up near Cinecittà “for cinematic purposes”.
Who directed Harlem?
Harlem was directed by Carmine Gallone.
Who stars in Harlem?
The principal cast of Harlem includes Massimo Girotti, Amedeo Nazzari, Vivi Gioi, Elisa Cegani, Osvaldo Valenti.
When was Harlem released and how long is it?
Harlem was released in 1943 with a total runtime of 1h 53m.
Who composed the musical score for Harlem?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Harlem was composed by Willy Ferrero.