by Linda Kay

English Title: The Difficult Years

Directed by: Luigi Zampa

Synopsis: A heart wrenching historical look at the state of Italy before and during World War II centered around mild government clerk Aldo Piscitello (Umberto Spadaro) who finds himself caught in a moral dilemma when he is forced to join the Italian fascist party or lose his job.

Kitty Cameo: Near the start of the film Aldo is called to his superior’s office. On his way up the steps he spots a black cat who yowls (a rather unconvincing dubbed in sound).

Sensing something bad is about to happen and wanting to avoid having the animal cross his path, Aldo nervously tries to sneak around the cat but the kitty turns and runs up the steps.

Final Mewsings: A black cat cannot be blamed for the blackshirts.

Many thanks to Nick Wale for letting us know about the cat in this film.

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