Franco & Ciccio

Franco and Ciccio were a comic comedy duo formed by Italian actors Franco Franchi (1928–1992) and Ciccio Ingrassia (1922–2003), particularly popular in the 1960s and 1970s. Their collaboration began in 1954 in the theatre field, and ended with Franchi's death in 1992. The two made their cinema debuts in 1960 with the film Appuntamento a Ischia. They remained active until 1984 when their last film together, Kaos, was shot, although there were some interruptions in 1973 and from 1975 to 1980. Together, they appeared in 112 films. Considered at the time as protagonists of B movies, they were subsequently reevaluated by critics for their comedy and creative abilities, becoming the subject of study. The huge success with the public is evidenced by the box office earnings, which in the 1960s, represented 10% of the annual box office earnings in Italy. History Both born in Palermo, Sicily, their collaboration began in 1954 in the theatre field, and ended with Franchi's death in 1992. The two made their cinema debuts in 1960 with the film Appuntamento a Ischia. They remained active until 1984 when their last film together, Kaos, was shot, although there were some interruptions in 1973 and from 1975 to 1980. Together, they appeared in 112 films, usually as the main characters, and occasionally as supporting characters in films featuring well-known actors such as Totò and Domenico Modugno who wrote "Rinaldo in campo" for the two; the theatre piece launched the comedy team's career. They also appeared in a variety of film genres and appeared opposite Vittorio Gassman, Buster Keaton and Vincent Price.