Directed by ALFRED VAN DAM from the Troxy Cinema
The story of Masaniello deals with a revolt in Naples in 1647. Masaniello is the leader of the revolution, and his hatred of the oppressors is fanned by the wrongs of his sister, Fenclla, at the hands of the Spanish Viceroy. The opera ends in tragedy for the chief characters. Masaniello goes out of his mind and is killed, and Fenella throws herself into the sea. An eruption of Vesuvius is a striking feature of the plot. Fenella, the heroine, is dumb, and the part was usually played by the chief dancer in the opera ballet, with gestures only. The opera is known abroad as The Dumb Girl of Portici. The Overture, according to tradition, is made up of tunes from the opera itself.