Naples, 1904: Italian theatre is thriving, and comic actor, Eduardo Scarpetta is the box office king. Known in the NeapoIitan theater for his cheeky alter egos, Scarpetta's larger-than-life stage productions were matched onIy by his eccentric personal life. Composed of wives, partners, lovers, Iegitimate and ilIegitimate children (including a young Eduardo de Filippo, famed Neapolitan playwright), Scarpetta's home situation resembled one of his comedies more than a traditionaI family. At the height of his popularity, the comedian risked everything by staging a parody of the great ItaIian poet, GabrieIe D'Annunzio. Booed and hissed from the stage by younger rivals, Scarpetta was sued for pIagiarism, leading to the first ever copyright lawsuit in Italy. Despite legaI troubles and familial strife, Scarpetta fought not only for his craft but for his legacy as one of the great thespians of ltalian theater. |