Private Angelo
Encyclopedia
Private Angelo was written by Scottish author Eric Linklater
and first published in 1946. It had subsequently been made into a 1949 film of the same name by Pilgrim Pictures
, produced by and starring Peter Ustinov
as well as adapted for the stage by Mike Maran Productions.
The novel covers the (mis)adventures of an Italian soldier during World War II
. The offspring of an English father and an Italian mother, the eponymous main character of the novel found himself unwillingly drafted into the Italian army, with Count Pontefiore, Commanding Officer of the 914th Regiment of Tuscan Infantry, as his colonel. Not only was the Count Angelo's patron, but he was also a former lover of Angelo's mother.
The novel opened with the Italian armistice of 1943, and traced the fortunes of Angelo as he sought to survive and regain a measure of control over his life during the turmoils of the war.
Though distinctly lacking in dono di coraggio (gift of courage), an annoying but life-saving characteristic, Angelo strove to main his cheerfulness and beautiful voice in chaotic circumstances beyond his control.
Eric Linklater
Eric Robert Russell Linklater was a British writer, known for more than 20 novels, as well as short stories, travel writing and autobiography, and military history.-Life:...
and first published in 1946. It had subsequently been made into a 1949 film of the same name by Pilgrim Pictures
Pilgrim Pictures
Pilgrim Pictures is the name of two production companies, one from the mid 20th century and one from the 21st century.-Mid 20th century:*Chance of a Lifetime *Private Angelo *The Guinea Pig *Damaged Hearts...
, produced by and starring Peter Ustinov
Peter Ustinov
Peter Alexander Ustinov CBE was an English actor, writer and dramatist. He was also renowned as a filmmaker, theatre and opera director, stage designer, author, screenwriter, comedian, humourist, newspaper and magazine columnist, radio broadcaster and television presenter...
as well as adapted for the stage by Mike Maran Productions.
The novel covers the (mis)adventures of an Italian soldier during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. The offspring of an English father and an Italian mother, the eponymous main character of the novel found himself unwillingly drafted into the Italian army, with Count Pontefiore, Commanding Officer of the 914th Regiment of Tuscan Infantry, as his colonel. Not only was the Count Angelo's patron, but he was also a former lover of Angelo's mother.
The novel opened with the Italian armistice of 1943, and traced the fortunes of Angelo as he sought to survive and regain a measure of control over his life during the turmoils of the war.
Though distinctly lacking in dono di coraggio (gift of courage), an annoying but life-saving characteristic, Angelo strove to main his cheerfulness and beautiful voice in chaotic circumstances beyond his control.
External references
- Spectator, The: War but not quite Waugh (Copyright Spectator Dec 18-Dec 25, 1999)
- Mike Maran Productions - Private Angelo (a stage adaptation)