Difficulty: Intermediate
Italy
To recreate the environment of the San Loreto church, the Basilica of St Paul's Outside the Walls was used for the final scene of the film. The crew was accustomed to working in a non-religious setting where they could do as they liked, so it was a full-time job trying to keep their bad habits (such as smoking) in check so they wouldn't get kicked out by their hosts.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Italy
During the filming of Heaven's Gate, there were some dicey moments where De Sica had to deal with the German troops and needed all his wits about him. At the same time his crew was cooped up in the basilica and didn't always behave as they should — in fact, tutt'altro (anything but). The narrator also mentions an anecdotal story Fellini told about his experience with the Germans.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Italy
Actors, including Alberto Sordi, who were performing at the Quattro Fontane (four fountains) theater on the fateful day of 23 March 1944 are in danger of being caught by the Germans. During the filming of his movie, De Sica leaves the safety of the basilica just once and is caught and questioned by a Nazi General about why the film is taking so long to be shot.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Italy
The general hands De Sica a letter from Goebbels himself but since De Sica can't read German, it is translated for him ad alta voce (out loud). It's an invitation to Venice, which De Sica does not want to accept.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Italy
Vittorio De Sica put himself on the line in order to save his cast and crew, and the film he was making. This final segment describes how he managed to complete La porta del cielo (The Gates of Heaven). The song we hear at the end of this documentary is very famous and was sung by Vittorio De Sica himself for the movie Gli uomini, che mascalzoni... in which he acted. Listen to the entire song here.
Difficulty: Beginner
Italy
When someone dies, it's not always easy to find the words to express sympathy, especially in a language not your own. Marika has some tips.
Difficulty: Beginner
Italy
There are two words for condolences in Italian: condoglianze, which was covered in part 1 and cordoglio, covered in the present video. Marika also talks about the Italian custom of posting bills or posters announcing the death of someone in the community.
Difficulty: Beginner
Italy
While providing us with some Christmas vocabulary, Marika explains a bit about how Christmas works in Italy.
Difficulty: Beginner
Italy
How to exchange greetings at Christmastime? What is the Italian equivalent of Christmas cookies? Marika helps us out with some good words and expressions to know.
Difficulty: Beginner
Italy
You never know when you will be celebrating the new year with Italian friends. Here is some vocabulary that will be useful to you.
Difficulty: Beginner
Italy
Many of us have worried about our weight at some point or we have friends or family members in that situation. Marika gives us some essential vocabulary for navigating the world of diet and nutrition.
Difficulty: Beginner
Italy
Did you know there are two different words for "snack" in Italian? Find out about this and more in this second and final video about diet vocabulary with Marika.
Difficulty: Beginner
Italy
If you go to Italy, you will want to know where to go to buy the things you need. Marika is here to tell you all about i supermercati (supermarkets) and other stores.
Difficulty: Beginner
Italy
You're going to the supermarket, but you need a few things first, like a list and somewhere to put the groceries. Marika has the answers.
Difficulty: Beginner
Italy
Supermarkets are divided into departments or sections. Marika takes us around the produce section as well as the seafood and meat counters.
Are you sure you want to delete this comment? You will not be able to recover it.