The background of this highly dramatic political event is unfortunately almost impossible to get any clear picture of. Spain imposed exorbitant taxes on the people of Naples, including outrageous taxes on fruit, and naturally the Napolitans rebelled. Eugene Scribe wrote a play on this event, which resulted in the first great French opera (1828) which had the tremendous effect of the insurrection of the Belgians. The opera is forgotten today but should be resurrected for its highly dramatic qualities. It is probably the only opera ever that presents a mute nun as the leading protagonist.
She is something of a pawn in the political play including a political marriage, betrayal, infidelity and intrigue. She is stowed away as a nun to be kept out of the way, but she has a burning heart, and when she sees her knight in shining armor get into trouble she is the one who saves his life. Giorgio Ansoldi seems to have made some effort in tracing the true story behind this, and his film is at last partly successful, the revolt was definitely a historical fact, and it is rendered flamboyantly with all the meticulous arsenals of Italian film making of the 50s. Even if you don't understand much of the intrigues and the massive turbulences going on, it is well worth watching for the action and the general feast for the eyes.
