Bagpiper in Love

I’ve recently completed two major milestones:

1) I’ve seen every available film featuring French actress Annie Belle. The only film I have not seen is Sex at the Bar (Le sexe à la barre, 1975), which is only available to be screened inside the CNC archives in Paris, France. Thankfully, my friend Albert Roubi was able to visit the bunker and has written his own dispatch from which I can reference.

2) I’ve completed the first draft of a manuscript centered around Annie Belle. I’m calling it Born to Love: The Films of Annie Belle, but that could change. I have already reached out to a few publishers, and have a shortlist of others, but if you know of anyone that might be interested in taking a risk on such a sexy, obscure subject, please reach out.

To commemorate the moment, and to remember Annie Belle, who we lost two-years ago today on January 27th, 2024, I’ve included a Youtube link to Bagpiper in Love (Zampognaro innamorato, 1983), a Neapolitan musical drama that Annie starred in with singer Carmello Zappulla and Angela Luce. It is set around the Italian “novena” and features supporting roles from the comedic duo of Lucio Montanaro and Franco Bracardi, as well as appearances by Antonio Sabato Sr, and the legendary singer/actor Giacomo Rondinella.

It’s a Christmas film, shot in August, and includes a scene where Annie Belle dances at the Italo-disco and starts a jealous riot. It’s one of my favorite films from Annie’s Neapolitan Era, and I’m proud to have played a small part in helping to bring it to a wider, English speaking audience through collaboration with Genesio De Rosa, a generous fan and friend who helped provide the translation. Enjoy.

Watch here: Bagpiper in Love