Photoplay Sneak Previews: “Stromboli”

“Stromboli” tells the story of a man and woman who fight for their love on this volcanic island. Bergman’s life, while making the film, was harsh and rugged. She worked from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., blinded and choked by windswept lava dust. It took two days to reach the mouth of the volcano. The company lived in tents on the way. Water was scarce—so the company imported thousands of gallons of mineral water for drinking. But Ingrid admits she never felt better in her life. Her role was difficult, as the rest of the cast were amateurs. This is realism—as Rossellini loves to portray it. This is “Stromboli.”

Roberto Rossellini, center, refused to write any dialogue until camera was set up. Result. a completely unaffected Bergman, minus make-up, in cheap department store clothes

Ingrid, Rossellini (white towel) and the cast had to drink mineral water imported from Naples

At crater, company wore masks to keep out deadly volcanic fumes

After their marriage in a DP camp, Karin (Ingrid Bergman), Antonio (Mario Vitale) return to grim Stromboli

Mario, in dramatic cemetery scene with Ingrid, refused to take Rossellini seriously when he asked him to play role

Ingrid, as Karin, the tragic figure swept by fate from a concentration camp to the desolate volcanic island her husband calls home

Ingrid, as a bride, finds herself as much a displaced person as she ever was in DP camp Ingrid gives vent to her pent-up emotions in violent scene created by husband’s jealousy

 

 

It is a quote. PHOTOPLAY MAGAZINE MARCH 1950