17 Little Known Spaghetti Western Actors ~ Aristide Caporale

[These daily posts will cover little known actors or people that have appeared in more recent films and TV series. Various degrees of information that I was able to find will be given and anything that you can add would be appreciated.]

Aristide Caporale was born in Acerra Campania, Italy on June 9, 1921. He was a small time character actor who appeared in over 120 films and television shows from 1963-1987. His diminutive stature and look made him easy to spot as townsmen, Indians, saloon patron and other various parts.

His face marked by poverty: a broken nose, deep wrinkles like those of an old sailor, from which two large blue eyes stand out.

Almost considered a "lucky charm" by directors, he appears many times credited with small roles. It seems he also worked in the TV. He was a favorite of Federico Fellini, who used him in at least four films:

Caporale appeared in 11 Spaghetti westerns: “Un fiume di dollari” (The Hills Run Red) in 1966 as a saloon patron; “Ric e Gian alla conquista del West” (Rick and John Conquer the West) in 1967 as an Indian; “Indio Black, sai che ti dico: Sei un gran figlio di...” (Adios Sabata) in 1970 as the hanged man, “The Last Rebel” in 1970 as a bordello patron; “Amico, stammi lontano almeno un palmo” (The Ballad of Ben and Charlie) in 1971 as a gambler in the barn); “...e lo chiamarono Spirito Santo” (He was Called the Holy Ghost) in 1971 as the horse merchant; “È tornato Sabata... hai chiuso un'altra volta!” (Return of Sabata) in 1971 as a saloon patron; “Un animale chiamato uomo” (An Animal Called Man) in 1972 as the horse seller); “E poi lo chiamarono il magnifico” (Man of the East) in 1972 (as a prisoner); “Tutti fratelli nel west... per parte di padre” (Where the Bullets Fly) in 1972 as the horny farmer and “ Un genio, due compari, un pollo” (The Genius) in 1975 as the sleepy brothel patron).

Aristide Caporale died in Rome on April 24, 1990. He was 68 years old.

CAPORALE, Aristide [6/9/1921, Acerra, Campania, Italy – 4/24/1990, Rome, Lazio, Italy] – film, TV actor.

The Hills Run Red – 1966 (saloon patron)

Rick and John Conquer the West – 1967 (Indian)

Adios Sabata – 1970 (hanged man)

The Last Rebel – 1970 (bordello patron)

The Ballad of Ben and Charlie – 1971 (gambler in barn)

He was Called the Holy Ghost – 1971 (horse merchant)

Return of Sabata – 1971 (saloon patron)

An Animal Called Man – 1972 (horse seller)

Man of the East – 1972 (prisoner)

Where the Bullets Fly – 1972 (horny farmer)

The Genius – 1975 (sleepy brothel patron)