The Golden Coach

The Golden Coach
Film poster for The Golden Coach
Directed by	Jean Renoir
Starring	Anna Magnani Odoardo Spadaro Duncan Lamont
Music by	Antonio Vivaldi
Release date	3 December 1952 (Italy) 27 February 1953 (France)
Running time	103 min
Country	France Italy
Language	English

The Golden Coach (French: Le Carrosse d'or; Italian: La carrozza d'oro) is a 1952 film directed by Jean Renoir that tells the story of a commedia dell'arte troupe in 18th century Peru. The screenplay was written by Renoir, Jack Kirkland, Renzo Avanzo and Giulio Macchi and is based on the play Le Carrosse du Saint-Sacrement by Prosper Mérimée. It stars Anna Magnani, Odoardo Spadaro and Duncan Lamont.

The Viceroy of a remote 18th century Peruvian town has purchased a magnificent golden coach from Europe. The Viceroy hints of his intention to give the coach to his mistress, the Marquise, but has decided to pay for it with public funds, since he plans to use it to overawe the populace and flatter the local nobility, who enthusiastically look forward to taking turns parading in it. By coincidence, the coach arrives on the same ship that carries an Italian commedia dell'arte troupe composed of men, women and children who perform as singers, actors, acrobats and comics. The troupe is led by Don Antonio, who also portrays the of Pantalone on stage, and features Camilla, who plays the stock role of Columbina.

Once members of the troupe refurbish the town’s dilapidated theater, their performances meet with success only after local hero, Ramon, a Toreador, becomes smitten with Camilla and starts leading the applause. Similarly, after a command performance at the Viceroy’s palace, the gentry withhold their favor until the Viceroy signals his approval and asks to meet the women of the company. He, too, is taken with Camilla, who is the only person who makes him feel comfortable and light-hearted. He gives her a splendid necklace, which enrages her jealous swain, Felipe, who has been accompanying the troupe on their travels. Felipe attacks Camilla and causes a riotous backstage brawl, after which he runs off to join the army.