Pierino medico della Saub

Pierino medico della Saub poster

Pierino medico della Saub is an Italian comedy film that belongs to the broader genre of "Pierino" films, a series of comedies that were particularly popular in Italy during the 1980s. These films are characterized by their slapstick humor, simplistic plots, and the presence of the character Pierino, a mischievous boy or young man who often finds himself in various comedic situations. "Pierino medico della Saub" diverges from the traditional setting by placing Pierino in a medical context, specifically within the Italian public health system, known as the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN), humorously misspelled as "Saub" in the title to suggest incompetence or corruption within the system.

Plot

The plot of "Pierino medico della Saub" revolves around the protagonist, Pierino, who, through a series of comedic and unlikely events, finds himself working in a hospital. Despite having no medical training, Pierino's unconventional methods and slapstick antics lead to a series of humorous situations. The film satirizes the Italian healthcare system, highlighting bureaucratic inefficiencies, the sometimes absurd interactions between patients and healthcare providers, and the challenges faced by public hospitals in Italy.

Characters

The main character, Pierino, is a staple of the Pierino film series. Traditionally portrayed as a cheeky and cunning young boy, in this iteration, he is slightly older but retains his characteristic wit and propensity for getting into trouble. Other characters typically include stern or oblivious authority figures, such as doctors and hospital administrators, and a cast of patients who become the unwitting participants in Pierino's pranks and experiments.

Themes

"Pierino medico della Saub" touches on several themes common to the Pierino series and Italian comedy in general, including social satire, the mockery of authority, and the use of humor to critique societal institutions. By setting the film in a hospital, the movie comments on the Italian healthcare system, using humor to explore issues of inefficiency, corruption, and the human element within medical care.

Reception

Like many films in the Pierino series, "Pierino medico della Saub" was likely received with a mix of amusement and criticism. The humor, often based on stereotypes, slapstick, and simple puns, appealed to a broad segment of the Italian population but was also seen as lowbrow by some critics. The film's satirical take on the healthcare system may have resonated with Italian audiences familiar with the challenges of navigating the SSN.

Legacy

The Pierino films, including "Pierino medico della Saub," hold a special place in the landscape of Italian cinema as examples of the comedy genre from the 1980s. They reflect the cultural, social, and political atmosphere of Italy during that time, using humor to comment on various aspects of Italian life. While not critically acclaimed, these films are remembered for their entertainment value and their role in popularizing the comedic exploration of societal themes.