The Italian (film)



Produced and co-written by Thomas Ince and directed by Reginald Barker, The Italian stars George Beban, a celebrated theatrical actor known for his portrayals of Italian characters, as an immigrant whose experience falls far short of the American Dream. Beban's stage experience and personal appeal translated well to the screen, and he mastered the nuances of film acting better than many of his contemporaries. Characteristic of Ince's film style, The Italian is an epic production of opulent sets and costumes expertly and inventively photographed. Ince's influence on cinema also surfaces in the film's less structured, less rigid technique, a counterpoint to the more formal "classical" style employed by directors such as D. W. Griffith.

The Italian was added to the National Film Registry in 1991.