Capanna, Otello

Post by **PeplumParadise** » 15/05/2023, 0:40

: Otello Capanna in La scimitarra del Saraceno (1959)

Otello Capanna was an actor and stuntman, active in Italian films at least throughout the 1950's (and probably earlier) to the mid-60's.

He was born in 1911 and died in 1993. He was the brother of actor/stuntman Pietro Capanna, his wife's name was Elvira and he was the father of four children, including stuntman Omero Capanna.[1]

His role in Ben-Hur is considered to be a certain identification based on production information and based on that we now have an additional 4 roles identified (plus one uncertain). He has very distinctive slanted eyes and it looks like half his left eyebrow is missing.

Filmography

1951

O.K. Nerone .... Soldier in the tavern (uncredited - uncertain identification)

1956
War and Peace .... Coachman loading the wagon (uncredited)

1959
Ben-Hur .... The Byzantine (uncredited)
Il cavaliere del castello maledetto .... Rebel fighter (uncredited)
La scimitarra del Saraceno .... Pirate (uncredited)

1964
Sansone e il tesoro degli Incas .... Townsman watching the hanging (uncredited)

Notes and sources

1. His biographical information was provided to forum member Christoffer Slotte in an interview with Omero's son (and Otello's grandson), Luciano, with some additional information from omerocapanna.it.

Post by **PeplumParadise** » 15/05/2023, 0:52

O.K. Nerone (1951) as Soldier in the tavern.

We think this could be Otello at the back, however the only prints available are really not sharp enough to be certain. His brother Pietro also appears in the scene, increasing the probability.

Post by **PeplumParadise** » 15/05/2023, 0:56

War and Peace, aka Guerra e pace (1956) as Coachman loading the wagon (at front left)

Post by **PeplumParadise** » 15/05/2023, 1:00

Ben-Hur (1959) as The Byzantine.

This role is considered to be a certain identification, based on production documents for the film. It is from his appearance here that we have been able to make further identifications. He's only seen identifiably very briefly, but fortunately in a good close-up.