Assunta Spina/The Last Diva (1914) Rating: Starring: Francesca Bertini Director: Francesca Bertini, Gianfranco Mingozzi, Gustavo Serena Category: Avant Garde, Foreign Studio: Kino Video Subtitles: Length: 147 mins     Italian silent screen goddess Francesca Bertini appears in her most famous role in Assunta Spina, an operatic tale of love and sacrifice in turn of the century Naples. After being assaulted by her jealous lover Michele (Gustavo Serena), Assunta (Bertini) becomes the mistress of a corrupt Don (Carlo Benetti) so she can visit Michele while he is in prison. When Michele is unexpectedly released, he discovers Assunta's "betrayal," setting the stage for the film's exquisitely tragic finale. By carefully preserving the regional dialect and customs in his prose, poet and playwright Salvatore Di Giacomo captured the unique essence of Napolitanita: the ability of the Italian working class to maintain their dignity even as they struggle for their survival. In harmony with this approach, Assunta Spina was shot largely on location, capturing precious glimpses of life in the streets of Naples, and presaging the rise of Italian Neorealism. Also featured on this DVD is Gianfranco Mingozzi's witty and fascinating documentary The Last Diva, in which 94-year-old Bertini recalls her life and career while attending a private screening of Assunta Spina. Filled with rare photographs and footage from Bertini's memorable films, it is a 'must for all interested in the history of cinema or in the star sytstem."