ITALY: Time for Comedy

Italy has had a visible sense of humor, from the time of the commedia dell 'arte. Italians can still crack jokes (however unoriginal) about their miseries. From Lisbon last week New York Times Correspondent Herbert L. Matthews, on his way home from Rome, sent revealing samples: > Benito Mussolini visited a fortuneteller who told him that he would die on the eve of Italy's greatest holiday. She was unable to tell him just which day that was. When he asked his wife her opinion, she replied: "I know. It's the day after...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!