Just in case you couldn’t grasp the subtle nuances in Italian, Miramax has thoughtfully released an English-dubbed version of this Oscar love-fest. Too bad they couldn’t have hired the people who do the job for “Speed Racer”. It could have gone like this:
Nazi officer: GUIDO! IT IS A SAD DAY FOR YOU! IT IS OFF TO THE CAMP TO CERTAIN DOOM! HAH-HAH-HAH-HAH!
Guido (Benigni): I DEFY YOU! I TAKE LAUGHTER FROM YOUR TEARS! LOOK AT ME! I’M A FUNNY MONKEY!
Nazi officer: CURSE YOU! ONTO THE TRAIN, YOU!
Announcer: MEANWHILE, GUIDO DOESN’T KNOW THAT SPRIDLE AND CHIM-CHIM ARE HIDDEN IN THE BACK OF THE TRAIN! WHERE’S TRIXIE?!?!
Actually, that’s probably kind of close. Sorry kids, but I prefer a lighter touch in my comedy and a little more sensitivity toward the culture of minorities, so I guess I’m in for another evening of sitcoms on the WB.
Where can I see this version?