Riccardo Bacchelli

Lattuada's first masterpiece is considered by many to be Il Mulino del Po, which, though considered neo-realist, was atypically based on a novel and set in the past. Co-scripted with Fellini and others, it dramatized the agrarian struggles in northern Italy in the 19th century and the rise of socialism there. Its release in 1949 coincided with a national strike of agricultural workers. Lattuada would later recall with satisfaction that this epic film, which used Soviet style montage effects. (Surreal Moviez)

In 19th century southern Italy (near Melfi, Basilicata), a small force of soldiers fight in the hills against the bandits who are holding their country to ransom. (imdb)