Tomorrow evening at 21pm, Rai20 presents the documentary “The King of Naples. History and Legend of Mario Merola”, directed by Massimo Ferrari and written by the director himself together with Luciano Stella.
The documentary, inspired by the book “Naples one way… My long journey” by Mario Merola and Geo Nocchetti, is produced by Big Sur in collaboration with Rai Documentaries and Mad Entertainment.
Mario Merola, the icon of the skit Neapolitan, is told through a journey through archives, interviews and unpublished footage. The documentary explores the life and career of this artist who, born from the people, brought Neapolitan music and culture to the highest levels of international fame.
"Merola has resurrected a genre born in the early 900s, bringing it to a level of extraordinary popularity. To tell it, we must enter his world, understand what he represented and represents for Naples and for Neapolitans scattered around the world, from America to Australia," explains Ferrari.
The documentary winds through the places that have marked Merola's life: from the port to the Case Nuove, from Piazza Mercato to the house in Portici, where even today his children prepare "spaghetti alla Merola". Exceptional witnesses are Gigi D'Alessio, Nino D'Angelo, Marisa Laurito, Maurizio De Giovanni and Merola's children, Francesco, Roberto, and Loredana.
The direction is by Massimo Ferrari, with story and screenplay by Ferrari and Stella. The photography is by Fabio Lanciotti, the editing by Gustavo Alfano, the music by Vincenzo Foniciello for Cafè Concerto Italia Srl, and the live sound by Bob Colella. The animation direction is by Ivan Cappiello. The production is by Big Sur, with Rai Documentari and Mad Entertainment, under the executive production of Gianluca Casagrande, Maria Carolina Terzi, Luciano Stella, Carlo and Lorenza Stella.
This documentary is not only a tribute to Merola, but a celebration of Neapolitan culture and identity, seen through the eyes of one of its most illustrious sons.
Article published on 3 February 2025 - 13:43
This documentary seems very interesting, but I'm not sure if I understood well the role of Mario Merola in Neapolitan culture. I hope it explains everything well and shows beautiful images of Naples.