Cavalleria rusticana (1982 film)

Cavalleria rusticana is a 1982 Italian film directed by Franco Zeffirelli based on Pietro Mascagni's 1890 opera of the same name. It stars tenor Plácido Domingo, mezzo-soprano Elena Obraztsova, and baritone Renato Bruson, all singing their own roles. Georges Prêtre conducted the Teatro alla Scala Orchestra and Choir for the movie's soundtrack. The film was made for broadcast on television. In 2003, it was released on DVD by Deutsche Grammophon, paired with Pagliacci (having earlier been released by Philips/Decca on DVD), also starring Plácido Domingo and directed by Franco Zeffirelli.

Cavalleria rusticana
VHS cover with Plácido Domingo
Based on	Cavalleria rusticana by Pietro Mascagni
Written by	Guido Menasci Giovanni Verga
Directed by	Franco Zeffirelli
Starring	Plácido Domingo Elena Obraztsova
Music by	Pietro Mascagni
Country of origin	Italy
Original language	Italian
Production
Cinematography	Armando Nannuzzi
Editor	Giorgio De Vincenzo
Running time	70 minutes
Original release
Release	1982 (1982)

Production

Initially, the Italian television network RAI expressed interest in recording the live opening night double-bill of Franco Zeffirelli's stage productions of Cavalleria rusticana and Pagliacci at the Teatro alla Scala. However, the director wanted to film the operas like movies instead of live stage productions. Over the course of two days, he filmed both operas on the stage of La Scala without an audience and in segments of ten minutes or less. He later added pick-up shots at a film studio in Milan. He also filmed some on location in Vizzini, Sicily for greater authenticity.^[1]

Reception

Originally shown on Italian television, it was later replayed on U.S. television to enthusiastic reactions.^[1]