‘La Rivista Imperiale – Primo Annuale Dell’ Impero – Imperial Review – First Anniversary of the Empire – Part 2

This sequence opens with Mussolini being cheered by huge crowds in a parade through Rome. The action then switches to central Rome and a sombre procession. From this point special effects take place. Footage from the war is played above a silhouette of the Coliseum, the great amphitheatre of ancient Rome where gladiators fought.

Context

Benito Mussolini was the leader of Italy. He was head of the Fascist party, similar in views to the Nazis in Germany. Mussolini’s great aim was to try and rebuild the great glories of the Roman Empire by establishing an Italian empire in Africa. In 1935 he provoked disputes with Abyssinia (modern Ethiopia) and in 1936 his modern armies invaded the country and defeated its emperor Haile Selassie. This action provoked international outrage but no military action was taken against Mussolini.

Interesting or important points about the film

This clip again provides interesting insights into the image that Mussolini was trying to create. By using the buildings of Rome and the most modern film techniques he tries to link his present day regime with the glories of Ancient Rome.