Lo scaldino

In a sleazy cigar and newspaper store in Rome, an old newsagent nicknamed "Papa Re" sells his wares, warmed only by an earthenware heater that his granddaughter brings him each evening. One day, the stove falls from his hand and breaks into a thousand pieces. The same evening, when he opens the kiosk, he finds inside a woman, huddled up, with her little daughter in her arms: it is Rosalba Vignas, a singer-songwriter who has been chased away by her lover, Cesare le Milanese, who fell in love with his younger colleague.

Directed by Augusto Genina, Lo scaldino leans on a strong ensemble — Kally Sambucini, Franz Sala, Alfonso Cassini — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about screen titles of 1920.