Tuesday 5 May 2026, 6.30pm
Genres’s classics – Western 2026: Once upon a time in the West by Sergio Leone
In English without subtitles
The Italian Cultural Institute in London is delighted to present a film series show casing some genres classic of Italian cinema. The series starts with Noir, followed by Western and finally Comedy. A celebration of the variety of Italian cinema.
Once upon a time in the West by Sergio Leone
Introduction and post-screening discussion with Nick Walker
Director: Sergio Leone; Writers: Dario Argento, Bernardo Bertolucci, Sergio Leone
Cast: Claudia Cardinale, Henry Fonda, Charles Bronson, Jason Robards, Gabriele Ferzetti, Paolo Stoppa
Music: Ennio Morricone
Western/ 1968/2 h 51’/ colour
A railroad tycoon hires a cruel mercenary to kill a man who owns prime estate. When the man’s widow inherits the land, only an outlaw and a mysterious gunslinger can protect her from being killed. Sergio Leone’s sweeping vision blends revenge, greed, and the end of the Old West, complemented by Ennio Morricone’s iconic score. Praised for its cinematography, atmosphere, and nuanced performances, it Is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most artful Westerns ever made.
Book HERE
Sergio Leone (1929–1989) was an influential Italian film director, producer, and screenwriter, credited with creating the “Spaghetti Western” genre. Best known for the Dollars Trilogy—A Fistful of Dollars (1964), For a Few Dollars More (1965), and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966)—he redefined Western cinema with extreme close-ups, long tense silences, and operatic violence.
Nick Walker has worked in the film industry, is a film lecturer, programmer and host of film salon events in London and Rochester. Nick has a Master’s Degree in Film Culture.