CLARA CALAMAI (1909-1998)
Clara Calamai debuted in 1938 with the epic film directed by Aldo Vergano, Pietro Micca, and quickly became highly popular, starring in several films from the late 1930s to the early 1950s. Her full-frontal nude appearance in Alessandro Blasetti’s La cena delle beffe was the first “nature” scene in a sound film, causing a huge public scandal and leading to the movie being banned for viewers under 16 years old.
Throughout the 1940s, she was one of Italy’s most beloved actresses, on par with Alida Valli, Valentina Cortese, and Anna Magnani. Fascinating and versatile, she appeared in dramas, adventure films, and the lighthearted comedies of the “white telephone” genre.
Hollywood would have been the perfect place for her, considering her remarkable acting skills.
The films that irrevocably tie Clara Calamai to the history of Italian cinema are Luchino Visconti’s Ossessione and Duilio Coletti’s L’adultera, which earned her a Silver Ribbon for Best Actress.
Curiosities
Her last film appearance was in 1975 in Dario Argento’s cult classic Deep Red, where Argento insisted she play the role of Carlo’s “tender mother”… truly unforgettable!
Her reflection in the mirror in Argento’s film went unnoticed in early screenings, becoming one of the director’s most famous strokes of genius.
