The Marquis of Grillo

In 18th-century Rome, impish aristocrat Onofrio del Grillo amuses himself by playing pranks on all sorts of people — his reactionary family and fellow nobles, the poors, the French occupiers trying to modernize society, and even the Pope himself.

Directed by Mario Monicelli, The Marquis of Grillo leans on a strong ensemble — Alberto Sordi, Paolo Stoppa, Caroline Berg — 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 comedy titles of 1981.