User Reviews

From a historical point of view, nobody can deny that the rise of fascism was dangerous not only for Italy but also entire Europe. Fascism is not considered a thing of the past as fascist tendencies can be seen in all contemporary political systems. Italian film "March on Rome" was made in 1962,a time when cinema was considered an important part of cultural life. It was a time when Italian cinema enjoyed a high level of popularity both from critics as well as general public. The choice of a film about 'fascism' and its actual making surprised many a viewer as nobody had expected a film to be made on it. March on Rome depicts what happened to Italian nation 40 years ago when fascists were making elaborate plans to gain political control through persuasion as well as violent means. This film begins in Milan with a young man Domenico Rocchetti using different ingenious tricks to extract money from people. He is compelled to behave like a tramp as he does not have enough money to eat. It is at this juncture that through sheer chance that he bumps into Capitano Paolinelli who is recruiting some members to fascist party. This fortuitous meeting gives rise to a series of tragicomic episodes. They can be considered good historical material as they highlight the confusion which must have prevailed during the rise of fascism in Italy. Apart from two legendary actors of Italian cinema Vittorio Gassman (Domenico Rocchetti) and Ugo Tognazzi (Umberto Gavazza), veteran French actor Roger Hanin plays an important role as Capitano Paolinelli who fervently urges ordinary people to join fascism in order to show their opposition to Bolsheviks. One who has seen films by Italian master of comedy "Dino Risi" would not fail to observe how humor plays an important role in this film which might be considered "political" by many people.