Log in
Down the Ancient Stairs

Down the Ancient Stairs

Dante's Inferno is Alive and Well

1975 · 110 min · ★ 5.5 · Drama

A mental hospital somewhere in Tuscany during the thirties. Far away from fascism, this closed world is rules over by Dr. Bonaccorsi, a passionate benevolent psychiatrist whose dream is to isolate the germ of madness. He is also a very active ladies'man and makes three women benefit from his sexual itch: Francesca the hospital manager's wife, Bianca, his devoted nurse and Carla, a nymphomaniac doctor's wife. His well-ordered universe starts being challenged with the coming of Anna, a trainee psychiatrist, who disapproves of his theory on the origin of madness. Worse, she resists his advances. As Bonaccorsi is more insecure than he looks, what will become of him?

Directed by Mauro Bolognini · Written by Tullio Pinelli

Your Rating

Where to Watch

Rent or Buy

blue TV

Cast

Make it a double feature

3h 35m together

Down the Ancient Stairs

Arabella

Both from Mauro Bolognini.

More from Mauro BologniniSee all →

La famiglia RicordiLa famiglia Ricordi · 1995
La famiglia Ricordi
★ 9.01995
SeriesComedy
Casa Ricordi was founded in 1808, and over the course of its history, it acquired the copyrights to the works of all the great composers of the era, from Rossini to Bellini, from Donizetti to Verdi, and finally to Puccini.
The Charterhouse of ParmaThe Charterhouse of Parma · 1982
The Charterhouse of Parma
★ 8.51982
SeriesDrama
Stendhal's epic tale of a young French officer in the Napoleonic wars, and his aunt - a duchess of legendary beauty and resourcefulness.
ArabellaArabella · 1967
Arabella
★ 7.51967
MovieComedy
A young woman uses her womanly wiles to seduce older men in order to aid her debt-ridden grandmother.
Knights of the QueenKnights of the Queen · 1954
Knights of the Queen
★ 7.51954
MovieAdventure
A new adventure for the Dumas musketeers who this time must save the Infanta of Spain from the intrigues of the Prince of Condé who wants to take the throne at any cost. (This film is a compendium edit made from episodes of the television series "I tre moschettieri")
CarelessCareless · 1962
Careless
★ 7.41962
MovieDramaRomance
Emilio Brentani leads a peaceful and uneventful life with his older sister Amalia. Until he meets Angiolina Zarri, a beautiful but fickle, wayward and coquettish young woman. Unfortunately for him, Emilio falls madly in love with her.
Il bell'AntonioIl bell'Antonio · 1960
Il bell'Antonio
★ 7.11960
MovieDrama
Problems arise for Antonio Magnano when he is unable to consummate his marriage to the beautiful Barbara Puglisi and his virility is called into question. Despite the fact that he loves his beautiful wife and they have otherwise been happily married for a year, his problem becomes a source of contention for all concerned.
The Golden VeinThe Golden Vein · 1955
The Golden Vein
★ 6.71955
MovieDrama
Jealous of his widowed mother's new lover, a boy does everything to separate them. Then, after he realizes their profound feelings for each other, he tries to reunite them.
From a Roman BalconyFrom a Roman Balcony · 1960
From a Roman Balcony
★ 6.61960
MovieDramaRomance
The ironic study of a young man's poignant adventures and sensual adventures...based on "Roman Tales" by Alberto Moravia.
Husbands and LoversHusbands and Lovers · 1991
Husbands and Lovers
★ 6.51991
MovieDrama
Stefan finds that he can no longer tolerate the arrangement of his cheating wife ... he, the husband, gets her during the week and her lover gets her on the weekends. At the same time the wife finds herself increasingly drawn to the violence of her lover versus the adoration of her husband.
Love at First SightLove at First Sight · 1992
Love at First Sight
★ 6.51992
SeriesDrama
Wild LoveWild Love · 1955
Wild Love
★ 6.41955
MovieComedy
The film tells the love stories of several young people: Nando, owner of a mechanical shop, supplements his income by posing for photo novels, sparking jealousy in his girlfriend Marisa. Otello, who works as a barber, sincerely loves Adriana, Nando's sister, who has been promised to Franco, who is tempted by the charms of Ines, owner of the neighbourhood trattoria.
The InheritanceThe Inheritance · 1976
The Inheritance
★ 6.31976
MovieDrama
In 1880 Rome, a patriarch closes the family bakery. His ambitious daughter-in-law manipulates her brothers-in-law to prevent their father's remarriage, securing her inheritance.
The LovemakersThe Lovemakers · 1961
The Lovemakers
★ 6.31961
MovieDrama
The death of a wealthy patriarch in 1885 sets off an interfamily power struggle. Son Ferdinando buys out his other relatives in order to gain full control over the dead man's property. But Ferdinando's nephew Amerigo holds out. Amerigo's stance is weakened when he heads for Florence and meets prostitute Bianca.
Lady of the CameliasLady of the Camelias · 1981
Lady of the Camelias
★ 6.11981
MovieRomanceDrama
A young girl from the provinces, comes to Paris with one goal: to become a part of the rich bourgeoisie. To achieve this she will use her unique beauty and charm.
The WitchesThe Witches · 1967
The Witches
★ 6.01967
MovieComedyDrama
Five short stories loosely dealing with the roles of women in society. A superstar actress travels to a mountain resort, only to evoke jealousy from women and lust from men. A woman offers to take an injured man to the hospital. A widowed father and his son seek for a new wife/mother. A man seeks revenge for a woman's honor. A bored housewife tries to explain to her husband that he's not as romantic as he used to be.
Where Are You Going on Holiday?Where Are You Going on Holiday? · 1978
Where Are You Going on Holiday?
★ 5.81978
MovieComedy
In three vignettes, two exes, a tour guide and a married couple struggle to overcome a series of misadventures during their vacations.

More Like This

Couldn't load this row right now.

Rate this film

Your ratings make Midnight smarter