The collective organization of the Italian nation on the idea of war and the participation of the whole nation in the conflict was implemented in various forms. Everywhere on newspapers and on walls in cities huge posters stood out inviting citizens to financially support the Italian war effort by means of subscription to the National Loan. A very large number of advertisements, such as those for very popular alcoholic drinks and toys for children, did not hesitate to exploit the images of soldiers who were deployed on the front.
Another way was to make use of the rising wonder of the cinema. This was a recent invention (1895) but was one that immediately conquered everybody, including the middle class as well as workers and peasants. In fact unlike print, the pictures that were projected on a screen had a meaning that was simple and at the same time immediate. Everyone was able to go to the cinema: prices were very low and there was no need for a certain type of clothes or to respect the rules of etiquette.
It was in this way that the flourishing Italian film industry (that in the early years of the 20th century was already able to produce epic films) understood that the war was a perfect subject for new films. At the same time, supporters of the war realized that the projection of films could be a great way to spread a feeling of solidarity and support to the Italian cause.
In September 1915 the film "Sempre nel cor la Patria!" by Carmine Gallone was released in the cinema halls. The story was about a young woman who was married to an Austrian citizen and who at the outbreak of hostilities decided to return to Italy and died as a heroine by foiling an anti-Italian plot that had been entrusted to her husband. This film was followed by many others and as a result by the end of 1916 no fewer than 130 films had been dedicated to the Italian war - of these some were also aimed at children such as "La Guerra e il sogno di Momi" in which a child dreams of saving the life of his father who was deployed on the front.
Although many films were of somewhat poor quality, they undoubtedly accomplished their purpose: thousands of people flocked to see them and became familiar with such words and concepts as "the Homeland", "Victory" and "the unredeemed lands".
But after two years of success, the bond between the cinema and the war came to a sudden halt because of the pessimism that was now rampant in several sections of the population. "Maciste l'Alpino" that was released towards the end of 1916 narrated about life at the frontline and about the battles that were fought among punches and kicks in the rear. This was a somewhat fanciful picture of the truth and which now no longer made anyone laugh.
