America first learned of Massimo Troisi (1953-1994) when he starred as the humble romantic in IL POSTINO. But this fame came after his tragically early death--and even then we saw only one of his formidable talents. Founder of a comedy troupe in Naples at the age of 17, Troisi was soon, via TV variety shows, one of the dominant forces in Italian humor. With his mumbled monologues, convulsing even Italian audiences unable to penetrate his Neapolitan dialect, Troisi was the laidback opposite of his manic friend Roberto Benigni. In 1981, he wrote, directed, and starred in his first film. Amid box office success and a slew of awards, he was launched on a career as a complete auteur that would last a little over a decade. With thanks to Martin Stiglio of the Italian Cultural Institute, AFI Silver presents the complete films of a comic pioneer.

IL POSTINO [The Postman]

On a small island off the coast of Italy in the early 50s, a semi-literate postman delivers the mail to poet-in-exile--and Nobel laureate-tobe-- Pablo Neruda (Philippe Noiret). A labor of love for Troisi, who postponed a heart transplant to complete the film, only to die the day after production wrapped. Five Oscar nominations-- for Film, Director, Actor and Screenplay-- and a win for Luis Bacalov's score.

DIR Michael Radford; SCR Michael Radford and Anna Pavignano, Furio Scarpelli, Giacomo Scarpelli and Massimo Troisi, from the novel Ardiente Paciencia by Antonio Skarmeta; PROD Mario Cecchi Gori, Vittorio Cecchi Gori and Gaetano Daniele. Italy, 1994, color, 108 min. In Italian and Spanish with English subtitles. RATED PG

NOTHING LEFT TO DO BUT CRY
[Non ci resta che piangere]

Seeking refuge from a storm, Massimo Troisi and LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL's Roberto Benigni emerge to find themselves back in 1492. After suggesting a few inventions to Leonardo da Vinci and tangling with Savonarola, they decide to try and thwart Columbus' impending discovery of America. But what's that train doing there? A memorable teaming of two great comedians, both in front of and behind the camera.

DIR Massimo Troisi and Roberto Benigni; SCR Massimo Troisi, Roberto Benigni and Giuseppe Bertolucci; PROD Mauro Berardi and Ettore Rosboch. Italy, 1985, color, 113 min. In Italian with English subtitles. UNRATED

THE WAYS OF THE LORD ARE LIMITED
[Le Vie del Signore sono finite]

In 1920s Italy, as psychoanalysis is becoming fashionable, Troisi is a barber who turns into a national news story after his legs are paralyzed-- for no apparent reason. His own doctor thinks he's faking it for attention, while brother Marco Messeri carts him off to Lourdes for a miracle. Troisi knows it happened right after his dumping by Jo Champa--and now she's having second thoughts. A biting sendup of modern superstitions and of the rise of Mussolini. Italian Film Journalists' Silver Ribbon Award for Best Screenplay.

DIR Massimo Troisi; SCR Anna Pavignano. Italy, 1987, color, 84 min. In Italian with English subtitles. UNRATED

I THOUGHT IT WAS LOVE
[Pensavo fosse amore invece era un calesse]

Looks like restaurant manager Troisi and bookseller Francesca Neri are finally going to tie the knot. But then come the mutual cold feet: she thinks he's lazy and unfaithful, while he starts to think about all those other women in Naples. It's civilized enough until Neri's new love interest--Marco Messeri in a zany tour de force--arrives to make Troisi jealous, while giving Neri more than she can handle. Italian Film Journalists' Silver Ribbons for Best Actress and Best Score.

DIR Massimo Troisi; SCR Massimo Troisi and Anna Pavignano; PROD Gaetano Daniele. Italy, 1992, color, 113 min. In Italian with English subtitles. UNRATED

SORRY FOR THE DELAY
[Scusate il ritardo]

Pushing 30, Troisi is still a lay-about, mooching off his family and vicariously living through pal Lello Arena's tales of romantic victories and defeats. But then he meets Lina Polito and that darn lethargy starts to fall away. Dazzling Neapolitan locations, and Italian Film Journalists' Silver Ribbons to Arena and Polito as Best Supporting Actors.

DIR Massimo Troisi; SCR Massimo Troisi and Anna Pavignano; PROD Mauro Berardi. Italy, 1982, color, 109 min. In Italian with English subtitles. UNRATED

I'M STARTING FROM THREE
[Ricomincio da tre]

Fed up with too much family, Neapolitan Massimo Troisi breaks away to exotic--to him-- Florence. The locals keep asking, is he an emigrant? "No, a tourist. Neapolitans travel, too." But his landlady aunt has her own romantic problems, an Italian-American tries to involve him in a cuckoo religious cult--and then he meets nurse Fiorenza Marchegiani. Troisi's first work was a smash hit, winning David di Donatello Awards for Best Actor and Best Film.

DIR Massimo Troisi; SCR Massimo Troisi and Anna Pavignano. Italy, 1981, color, 110 min. In Italian with English subtitles. UNRATED