(Italy/1963—directed by Mario Monicelli)

In turn-of-the-twentieth-century Turin, an accident in a textile factory incites workers to stage a walkout. But it’s not until they receive unexpected aid from a traveling professor (Marcello Mastroianni of La Dolce Vita) that they find their voice, unite, and stand up to achieve better working conditions. This gripping historical drama by director Mario Monicelli (Big Deal on Madonna Street) brims with humor and honesty; it’s a beautiful and moving ode to the power of the people, and features engaging performances, cinematography by the great Giuseppe Rotunno (Amarcord, Carnal Knowledge), and a multilayered, Oscar®-nominated screenplay by Monicelli, Agenore Incrocci, and Furio Scarpelli (The Good, The Bad and the Ugly). This presentation of The Organizer coincides with the 34th annual North American Labor History Conference taking place at Wayne State University from October 18-20. In Italian with English subtitles. (130 min.)