Specials

The film is about the origins of the opera “La fanciulla del West”: the relationship between Puccini and Giulia Manfredi. They ell in love at the “Chalet da Emilio”, a rustic bar suspended on wooden piles opposite the home of the musician at Torre del Lago.

Giulia served wine and smiles there and the great musician often visited the place to have a taste of both of them qhile drank, played, smoked and thus went back refreshed to composing music.

Giulia was cousin of Doria Manfredi, who worked as a maid  in Puccini's house. She was unfairly accused by Elvira, his jealous wife, of being her husband's lover. Dora committed suicide because of this. That is when they discovered that she was a virgin. Her silence, had protected the secret her master had entrusted her with: the relationship between him and her cousin who probably inspired the character Minnie, “la fanciulla del West”.
 

ADDITIONAL FACTS:

• Presented at the 2008 Venice Film Festival