AMERICA’S LAST LITTLE ITALY: THE HILL – A Review by John Strange
At one time in this country, there were a lot of “Little Italy’s” around the country, especially on the east coast and in the mid-west. They were a way for the immigrants to remain close to their roots. Many of the residents made their living at whatever local jobs were available while enjoying the comradery of people who spoke their native language and preserving many of their beloved traditions.
In the decades since these enclaves were created, most in the early 1800s, the majority of them have changed and became enclaves for other nationalities of immigrants due to more and more of the younger generations moving to other locales, most to make a better (or maybe just different) living.
America’s Last Little Italy: The Hill tells the story of what may be the last enclave of Italian immigrants and their descendants in America. The Hill area of St. Louis, Missouri, was settled in the early 1800s when a large deposit of clay was discovered. The clay was the quality needed to make good bricks and other products.
As the Italian immigrants arrived to work in the mine, they used their pay to build homes in the same small area, within walking distance of the mines where they toiled. The area today is 52 square blocks of mixed shotgun houses, stores, and restaurants.
Their community identity has survived wars that pulled away most of their men and the events that were changing the nation, all the while being centered upon the church. A church that was paid for by the community and built of bricks made from the mine’s clay.
The film gives us a great view of an enclave where the citizens are happy to be amongst others who share their heritage. America’s Last Little Italy: The Hill presents the area’s history and its current status via interviews with current and former residents. These people flesh out this tale into a story that is both endearing and interesting.
This documentary is a 4.5-star film that won numerous awards during its festival run. It is available on DVD and is currently showing on Amazon Prime Video.
Director: Joseph Puleo
Cast: Anne Agusti, Josephine Aiazzi, Keith Ballentine, and many more
MPAA Rating: NR
Selig Rating: 4.5 Stars
Runtime: 70 Min.
Movie Site: https://www.facebook.com/TheHillDoc
Trailer: THE HILL Trailer
The Selig Rating Scale:
5 Stars – Excellent movie, well worth the price.
4 Stars – Good movie
3 Stars – OK movie
2 Stars – No need to rush. Save it for a rainy day.
1 Star – Good that I saw it on the big screen but wish I hadn’t paid for it.
