Difficult Years
Anni difficili
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Synopsis
Aldo Piscitello, a minor government clerk, is forced in 1934 to join the Fascist party. When the war comes, he finds himself able only to talk ineffectually in secret against Mussolini, even as his own son Giovanni is sent into battle. By the end of the war, Aldo has found the courage to stand up for his beliefs, but by then it is too late.
Top Cast
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Umberto Spadaro
Aldo Piscitello
Ave Ninchi
Rosina Piscitello
Enzo Biliotti
Il podestà
Massimo Girotti
Giovanni Piscitello
Delia Scala
Elena Piscitello
Ernesto Almirante
Il nonnino
Aldo Silvani
Il farmacista
Miro Zonda
Il federale
Milly Vitale
Maria, the pharmacist's niece
Giovanni Grasso
Mascoli
Olinto Cristina
Sacchi
Agostino Salvietti
Fegarotta
Raniero De Cenzo
Rapisarda
Carlo Sposito
Riccardo, the Baron's son
Giuseppe Nicolosi
Cascarà
Loris Gizzi
Il Ministro
Ermanno Randi
Turi
Rosetta Calavetta
Elena (voice)
Release History & Theatrical Window
Venice Film Festival
Festival / Special Debut
August 21, 1950
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Luigi Zampa
- Screenplay & Story
- Sergio Amidei, Vitaliano Brancati
- Original Score
- Franco Casavola
- Original Title
- Anni difficili
- Country of Origin
- Italy
- Spoken Languages
- Italian
- Runtime
- 1h 50m
- Production Studios
- Briguglio Film
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Luigi Zampa
Sergio Amidei, Vitaliano Brancati, Franco Evangelisti, Enrico Fulchignoni
Franco Casavola
Carlo Montuori
Eraldo Da Roma
Department Leadership Roster
Luigi Zampa
Director
Franco Casavola
Original Music Composer
Ivo Battelli
Production Design
Carlo Montuori
Director of Photography
Eraldo Da Roma
Editor
Sergio Amidei
Screenplay
Vitaliano Brancati
Screenplay
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Difficult Years.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Difficult Years.
War: World War II
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WWII
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Frequently Asked Questions About Difficult Years
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Difficult Years about?
Aldo Piscitello, a minor government clerk, is forced in 1934 to join the Fascist party. When the war comes, he finds himself able only to talk ineffectually in secret against Mussolini, even as his own son Giovanni is sent into battle. By the end of the war, Aldo has found the courage to stand up for his beliefs, but by then it is too late.
Who directed Difficult Years?
Difficult Years was directed by Luigi Zampa.
Who stars in Difficult Years?
The principal cast of Difficult Years includes Umberto Spadaro, Ave Ninchi, Enzo Biliotti, Massimo Girotti, Delia Scala.
When was Difficult Years released and how long is it?
Difficult Years was released in 1948 with a total runtime of 1h 50m.
Who composed the musical score for Difficult Years?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Difficult Years was composed by Franco Casavola.
Is Difficult Years based on a book or true story?
Difficult Years is adapted from the following source material: Novel: "Vitaliano Brancati".