Spaghetti Western Directors, Screenwriters, Cinematographers

Spaghetti Western Director ~ Claudio Gora

 Claudio Gora was an Italian actor and film director whose career spanned over five decades, encompassing stage work, more than 130 film appearances, and nine directorial efforts in post-war Italian cinema] Born Emilio Giordana in Genoa, Liguria on July 27, 1913, he adopted the stage name "Claudio Gora" at his mother's urging to commemorate his father, an army officer killed during World War I. Gora debuted on stage in 1937 and entered cinema in 1939, initially as an actor in minor roles before expanding into directing neo-realist and drama genres.

Gora's directorial output included notable entries like the post-war drama “The Sky Is Red” (1950), which explored the struggles of orphaned children in bombed-out Milan and was noted for its realism in depicting urban hardship. Other key directorial works encompassed Eager to “Live” (1953), a tense crime thriller, and “Hate Is My God” (1969), reflecting his interest in moral and social themes amid Italy's cinematic golden age. As an actor, he excelled in supporting roles, often portraying authoritative or complex figures, with standout performances in Dino Risi's comedy-drama “Il sorpasso” (1962) as a stern family man, and Pietro Germi's “The Facts of Murder” (1959) as a shrewd police commissioner. His versatility extended to international co-productions, including appearances in films like “Gidget Goes to Rome” (1963).

In his personal life, Gora was married to actress Marina Berti from 1944 until his death, and they had five children, all actors: Carlo, Andrea, Marina, Luca, and Cristina Giordana, with several grandchildren also entering the industry. He passed away from a heart attack in Rocca Priora, Lazio on March 13, 1998, at age 84, leaving a legacy as a multifaceted figure in Italian entertainment.

Claudio Gora directed one Spaghetti Western, “L'odio è il mio Dio” (Hate is My God) in 1969.

GORA, Claudio (aka Claudio Cora, Emil Jordan) (Emilio Giordana) [7/27/1913, Genoa, Liguria, Italy – 3/13/1998, Rocca Priora, Lazio, Italy (heart attack)] – director, writer, actor, married to actress Marina Berti (Elena Maureen Bertolini) [1924-2002] (1944-1998), father of father of actor Carlo Giordana [1945-2020], Andrea Giordana [1946-    ], actor Marina Giordana [1955-    ], actor Luchino ‘Luca’ Giordana, actress Cristina Giordana, grandfather of actor Luchino Giordana.

Hate is My God – 1969

Spaghetti Western Screenwriter ~ Roberto Colangeli

Roberto Colangeli is an Italian film editor who was involved in twenty-seven films between 1969 and 1994. His screenwriting career consisted of one film and that was his only Spaghetti western. He was the son of film editor Otello Colangeli. Other than that I can find no biographical information on him.

Roberto Colangeli co-wrote the screenplay for one Spaghetti western, “Ehi Amigo… sei morto!”  (Hey Amigo, to Your Death!) with Renato Savino in 1970.

COLANGELI, Roberto [Italian] – assistant director, writer, film editor, son of Otello Colangeli [1912-1998].

Hey Amigo, to Your Death! – 1970 (co)

 

Spaghetti Western Cinematography ~ Giuseppe La Torre

Giuseppe La Torre was an Italian cinematographer who worked on seventy-eight films and also as a cameraman on six between 1936 and 1971. Like many cinematographers there is little to nothing other than a birthdate and list of films he was involved in online or in print. He must have passed on by now but I can find no mention of his death.

Giuseppe La Torre was a cinematographer on five Spaghetti westerns: “Oeste Nevada Joe” (Joe Dexter) with Julian Rosenthal, “Der letzte Mohikaner” (The Last Tomahawk) with Ernst W. Kalinke and “Oklahoma John” (The Man from Oklahoma) all in 1964, “Lola Colt” (Black Tigress) in 1967 and “El valor de un cobarde” (Quinto: Fighting Proud) in 1969.

La TORRE, Giuseppe (aka Joseph L. Tower) [11/11/1915, Rome, Lazio, Italy - deceased] – cinematographer, cameraman.

Joe Dexter – 1964 (co)

The Last Tomahawk – 1964 (co)

The Man from Oklahoma – 1964 [as Joseph L. Tower]

Black Tigress – 1967

Quinto: Fighting Proud - 1969