Alternate Titles: Ettore Catalucci: The Art of Developing Cinema
Alessandra Usai
Born in the Prati district of Rome on November 11, 1893, Ettore Catalucci saw his life change dramatically in 1903 due to a family tragedy. Forced to work from a young age, he found employment in a photo development company, where he discovered his passion for imagery. After working at Filoteo Alberini’s Cines, Ettore moved to Lyon to perfect photographic techniques at the Lumière brothers’ studios under the guidance of Adolfo Pouchai.
In 1915, called to serve as a war photographer during World War I, his experiences later inspired director Mario Monicelli for the film La Grande Guerra. He went on to establish his first film company, A. Catalucci, securing an exclusive contract for developing newsreels for the Sindacato Istruzione Cinematografica, which later became the Istituto Luce.
An indefatigable innovator, in 1929 he created the first continuous rotary printer, and in 1934, he introduced Italy’s first automatic film processor. By the end of 1939, he renamed his company S.A. Perfecta, expanding his business into film production. Collaborating with director Ugo Saitta, he produced the animated short Pisicchio e Melisenda, which was presented at the Venice Film Festival in 1939. That same year, he produced the films L'Ospite di una notte and the comedy Tre fratelli in gamba.
Despite the destruction of his studio during World War II, Ettore founded Spes, rising from the ashes. Throughout his career, he worked with some of Italy's greatest directors, including Alessandro Blasetti, Mario Soldati, Mario Mattoli, Federico Fellini, Mario Monicelli, and Pier Paolo Pasolini, leaving an indelible mark on Italian cinema his