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Salient. The Newspaper of Victoria University College. Vol. 19, No. 8. July 1, 1955

International Club

International Club

Although Italy suffered enormous damage during World War II to Industry, buildings and especially roads and bridges, the country is making a rapid recovery and has undertaken a vast reconstruction programme—an outstanding example is the town of Cassino which has been almost completely rebuilt, together with Its world-famous monastery.

Three films on this theme were shown at the International Club recently by Dr. Padovan who gave an introduction to each. He explained how sharply the unemployment level had dropped since the immediate post-war years, and told of some places he had visited soon after the war and described the changes that had taken place since reconstruction began. He emphasised the rapid growth of Italy's population in the last few years, this being borne out by the many blocks of new flats shown in the films.

He said that Bicycle Thieves gave a true picture of immediate postwar Italy with its problems of widespread unemployment and black market, but it was clear from the documentaries shown that conditions are changing rapidly. The final film was a French colour production on the mosaics at Ravenna, most of which date from the 6th century. They deal chiefly with Biblical themes and show amazing care in colour and construction.