The Empty Canvas

The Empty Canvas is a 1963 Italian drama film directed by Damiano Damiani. The screenplay written by Damiani, Tonino Guerra and Ugo Liberatore is based on the best-selling novel La noia by Alberto Moravia. The film stars Horst Buchholz, Catherine Spaak, Isa Miranda and Bette Davis. Synopsis Mediocre artist Dino is obsessed with young model Cecilia and distraught that she shares her sexual favors with him as well as with actor Luciani. In an effort to derail her plan to vacation in Capri with his rival, Dino proposes marriage, and when Cecilia rejects his offer, he invites her to join him at the Rome estate of his domineering mother, a wealthy American, so that he can seduce her with his glamorous lifestyle. Despairing that he will never have a monogamous relationship with her, Dino crashes his sportscar into a wall. While recovering in the hospital, he realizes that his feelings will never be reciprocated. When Cecilia returns from her trip assuming their liaison will continue, Dino announces that the affair is over. Cast Horst Buchholz - Dino Catherine Spaak - Cecilia Bette Davis - Dino's Mother Isa Miranda - Cecilia's Mother Lea Padovani - Balestrieri's Widow Daniela Rocca - Rita Georges Wilson - Cecilia's Father Production credits Produced by Carlo Ponti, Joseph E. Levine Original music by Luis Enríquez Bacalov Cinematography by Roberto Gerardi Art direction by Carlo Egidi