The Organizer (Italian: I compagni) is a 1963 Italian-French-Yugoslavian co-produced drama film written by Mario Monicelli and Age & Scarpelli, and directed by Monicelli himself. Set in Turin at the end of the 19th century, it stars Marcello Mastroianni as Professor Sinigaglia, a labor activist who becomes entwined with the lives of textile factory workers as they struggle for better working conditions.
The film premiered at the 35th Congress of the Italian Socialist Party and received critical acclaim. It was nominated for Best Original Screenplay at the 37th Academy Awards, cementing its place as a significant work of social and political cinema. Critics have hailed the film for its blend of drama and dark humor, with Pauline Kael praising it as “a moving and unsentimental portrait of collective resistance.”
Plot
The story opens in late 19th-century Turin, where workers, including young Omero (Franco Ciolli), toil under grueling conditions. Rising at 5:30 a.m., they endure 14-hour shifts in a textile factory, leaving them physically and mentally drained. Disaster strikes when a worker’s hand is mangled by a machine, prompting a group—Pautasso (Folco Lulli), Martinetti (Bernard Blier), and Cesarina (Elvira Tonelli)—to demand shorter hours. Their plea is dismissed, and their initial attempt at protest ends in failure when fear undermines their resolve.
The arrival of Sinigaglia (Marcello Mastroianni), a fugitive labor organizer, shifts the dynamic. Sinigaglia inspires the workers to escalate their demands, proposing a full-scale strike and helping them organize for the long haul. His leadership kindles hope, but it also exposes deep rifts among the workers, particularly with the cynical Raoul (Renato Salvatori), who doubts both the movement’s success and the others’ dedication.
As the strike unfolds, tensions rise. The factory owners bring in replacement workers, sparking violent clashes that lead to tragedy, including Pautasso’s death. The workers’ resilience falters as supplies dwindle and morale wanes. Yet, Sinigaglia’s impassioned speeches reignite their determination, culminating in a bold but ultimately tragic occupation of the factory.
The strike ends in defeat, with soldiers firing on the workers and Omero among the casualties. Sinigaglia is arrested, and Raoul goes underground, vowing to continue the struggle. The final scenes mirror the opening, with workers returning to the factory, their sacrifices a somber reminder of the high cost of resistance.
Reception and Reviews
The Organizer was lauded for its sharp social commentary and compelling performances. Critics admired Monicelli’s ability to balance humor and tragedy while crafting a nuanced depiction of class struggle.
•Roger Ebert praised the film’s humanism, writing that it “illuminates the perseverance of ordinary people caught in extraordinary struggles.”
•Bosley Crowther of The New York Times highlighted Marcello Mastroianni’s performance, calling it “a masterclass in understated charisma, bringing both gravitas and relatability to the role of Sinigaglia.”
•Contemporary audiences on Rotten Tomatoes have noted its enduring relevance, with one review describing it as “a poignant reminder of the power—and the cost—of collective action.”
Though the film did not achieve widespread commercial success upon release, it has grown in stature, regarded today as one of Monicelli’s most profound works. Critics and historians alike view it as a cinematic touchstone for exploring the plight of labor movements during the Industrial Revolution.
