Italy has a rich cultural heritage, known for its art, fashion, and cuisine. However, there is another aspect of Italian culture that has gained a lot of attention and popularity over the years – the Italian erotic magazine. These magazines have been a symbol of sensuality and freedom of expression, and one of the publishers who made it famous was the legendary publisher, Angelo Rizzoli, as depicted in the Italian movie, ‘Mrs Playmen’.
Rizzoli was a pioneer in the Italian publishing industry, and his name is synonymous with the Italian erotic magazine. He was born in Milan in 1889 and grew up in a family of publishers. His father, Giovanni Rizzoli, founded the publishing house Rizzoli in 1927, and Angelo took over the business after his father’s death in 1936. However, it was not until the 1960s that Rizzoli made his mark in the publishing industry with the launch of ‘Playmen’ magazine.
‘Playmen’ was a revolutionary magazine that featured nude and semi-nude photographs of women, which was a bold move in a conservative society like Italy. However, Rizzoli’s vision was to challenge the societal norms and redefine the concept of eroticism. The magazine became an instant success and was soon followed by other provocative publications such as ‘Playcolt’ and ‘Playmen Deluxe’.
Rizzoli’s publishing house, Rizzoli Editore, became the leading publisher of erotic magazines in Italy, and his work was often compared to that of Hugh Hefner, the founder of Playboy magazine. However, unlike Hefner, Rizzoli was not just a publisher but also a visionary who believed in pushing the boundaries and exploring new frontiers in the world of erotica.
One of the most significant contributions of Rizzoli to the Italian publishing industry was his emphasis on the quality of content and the aesthetics of the magazines. He believed that the erotic magazines should not only be visually appealing but also intellectually stimulating. This was evident in the high-quality photographs, articles, and interviews featured in his magazines.
The success of Rizzoli’s magazines also brought about controversies and legal battles. The Italian government, which was still conservative at the time, tried to ban the magazines, citing obscenity laws. However, Rizzoli fought back and won the legal battles, establishing the right to freedom of expression and paving the way for other publications to follow.
Rizzoli’s legacy continued even after his death in 1970. His son, Angelo Rizzoli Jr., took over the reins of the publishing house and continued to expand the business. Today, Rizzoli Editore is one of the leading publishing houses in Italy, with a wide range of publications, including art, architecture, and fashion magazines.
The Italian movie, ‘Mrs Playmen’, directed by Alessandro Colizzi, gives an insight into the life of Angelo Rizzoli and his journey to becoming the king of Italian erotic magazines. The movie depicts Rizzoli as a passionate and determined man who was not afraid to take risks and challenge societal norms. It also sheds light on his personal life, his relationships, and the impact of his work on his family.
The movie beautifully captures the essence of the Italian erotic magazine and its cultural significance in Italy. It also pays tribute to Rizzoli’s vision and his contribution to the world of publishing. The film has received critical acclaim and has become a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of Italian erotica.
In conclusion, Angelo Rizzoli was a visionary and a legend in the publishing industry. His work with the Italian erotic magazine not only challenged societal norms but also opened up new avenues for creative expression. His legacy continues to live on, and his magazines have become an integral part of Italian culture. As depicted in ‘Mrs Playmen’, Rizzoli’s life was a journey of passion, determination, and breaking barriers, leaving behind a remarkable legacy for generations to come.
