The Machine to Kill Bad People


The Machine to Kill Bad People is a 1952 Italian fantasy comedy film directed by Roberto Rossellini and featuring Marilyn Buferd, William Tubbs and Clara Bindi. It is part of the tradition of neorealism of the post-war years. Having helped neorealism gain international recognition with his 1945 work Rome, Open City, Rossellini was trying to branch out into different styles.

Production

Rossellini began shooting the film in 1948, but production was beset by many problems. Location shooting took place around Amalfi, Salerno and Trani.

Synopsis

A stranger claiming to be Saint Andrea gives to the village photographer a magic camera with the power to destroy the wicked. When it becomes apparent that no one is immune the photographer turns the device on the giver, who is unmasked as a devil and forced to return everyone to life.

Cast