Biography

Umberto Scarpelli was an Italian screenwriter and film director whose career spanned from the 1930s to the early 1960s. Born in Orvieto, Umbria, he began his career in the film industry as an assistant director, contributing to over fifteen films. Notably, he served as an assistant director on Shoeshine (1946) and Bicycle Thieves (1948), both of which are seminal works in Italian neorealism. Scarpelli transitioned to directing with films such as Sant'Elena, piccola isola (1943) and The Secret Conclave (1952). His directorial work often explored historical and dramatic themes, reflecting the socio-political climate of post-war Italy. Scarpelli's contributions to Italian cinema are marked by his versatility and engagement with contemporary societal issues.