Private Angelo (film)

Private Angelo

Company type	Film
Industry	Film industry
Founded	1949
Headquarters	United Kingdom
Products	War comedy film

Private Angelo is a British war comedy film from 1949, co-directed by Michael Anderson and Peter Ustinov. The movie stars Ustinov himself alongside Godfrey Tearle, María Denis, and Marjorie Rhodes. It narrates the humorous escapades of a soldier serving in the Italian Army during the Second World War, adapted from Eric Linklater's 1946 novel Private Angelo. The costume design was created by Ustinov's mother, Nadia Benois.

Filming took place partly in the Italian village of Trequanda located in the Province of Siena, where music was contributed by the Società Filarmonica di Trequanda. Interior scenes were produced at Welwyn Studios, with art director John Howell responsible for the set designs.

Cast

• Peter Ustinov as Private Angelo
• Godfrey Tearle portraying Count Piccologrando
• María Denis in the role of Lucrezia
• Marjorie Rhodes as the Countess
• James Robertson Justice playing Feste
• Moyna Macgill as Marchesa Dolce
• Robin Bailey as Simon Telfer
• Harry Locke cast as Corporal Trivet
• Bill Shine in the role of Colonel Michael
• John Harvey as Corporal McCunn
• Diana Graves portraying Lucia

Reception

By 1 April 1950, distributor gross revenues for the film totaled £36,994 within the UK market, with £19,489 returned to the production company. Nonetheless, Private Angelo ultimately incurred a financial deficit amounting to £199,224.

Bibliography

• Nicol, Christopher (2012) "Eric Linklater's Private Angelo and The Dark of Summer". Glasgow: ASLS