Agenore Incrocci, professionally recognized as Age, was a highly acclaimed and celebrated Italian screenwriter, renowned for his significant contributions to the development of the commedia all'italiana genre, a distinct and influential style of Italian comedy. This accomplished writer was an integral part of the esteemed duo Age & Scarpelli, where he collaborated with his long-time partner Furio Scarpelli on an impressive array of over 120 Italian films, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.
Born on a sweltering summer day, July 4, 1919, in the picturesque city of Brescia, Italy, a remarkable individual was about to take his first breath, marking the beginning of a life that would be etched with the vibrant colors of the cinematic world. This extraordinary being, none other than Age, was blessed with a family of actors, his sister Zoe being a renowned figure in the industry, whose talent and dedication would serve as a shining example for him to follow.
The life journey of Age began with a humble start in the realm of cinema, initially taking on the role of a dubber for the 1935 film "I ragazzi della Via Paal", directed by the renowned Mario Monicelli. This marked the beginning of Age's foray into the world of filmmaking. Subsequently, he ventured into the realm of radio, where he honed his skills and developed a keen sense of storytelling. Concurrently, Age's creative inclinations led him to pursue a career in writing comic scripts, showcasing his versatility as a writer. Furthermore, he simultaneously pursued a law degree, a decision that would ultimately shape his future endeavors. Although he never completed his law degree, Age's dedication to his craft and passion for storytelling remained unwavering.
As the tumultuous era of World War II unfolded, Age found himself embroiled in a harrowing ordeal, spending the initial four years of the conflict as a prisoner of the French Army and subsequently, the Wehrmacht, within the borders of France.
Through a remarkable display of resilience and determination, Age managed to orchestrate a daring escape from captivity, thereby securing his freedom.
Subsequently, Age chose to join forces with the United States Army, fighting valiantly alongside them for a period of one year before ultimately returning to his native Italy.
As the tumultuous era of war finally came to a close, Age, a man of remarkable perseverance, redirected his focus towards the world of radio, where he had initially made a name for himself. In addition to his radio work, Age also began to venture into the realm of theatre, penning scripts for various productions. His talents did not stop there, as he also contributed to the pages of humor magazines, showcasing his versatility as a writer.
It was during this period that Age crafted his debut screenplay for the 1945 film "I due orfanelli", which was directed by the esteemed Mario Mattoli. This marked the beginning of a long and fruitful collaboration with the accomplished writer and director, Furio Scarpelli, a partnership that would endure for an astonishing four decades, yielding a plethora of creative and critically acclaimed works.
Together, the renowned screenwriting duo of Age and Scarpelli collaborated on a plethora of Italy's most culturally significant and enduring films, their creative partnership yielding a diverse array of cinematic masterpieces that continue to captivate audiences to this day.
Among their most notable collaborations was the Sergio Leone-directed epic, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, a landmark Western that has become synonymous with the genre. Additionally, their work on Mario Monicelli's I soliti ignoti, a classic Italian neorealist comedy, showcased their versatility and ability to adapt to different styles and genres.
Their impressive body of work also includes a string of successful films starring the inimitable Totò, a beloved Italian comedy icon. Moreover, Age's skill as a scriptwriter was further demonstrated through his independent work on Pietro Germi's Divorzio all'italiana, a critically acclaimed drama that cemented his reputation as a master of his craft.
As a talented thespian, Age had the privilege of gracing the silver screen in Ettore Scola's critically acclaimed film, La terrazza, which was not only directed by the renowned Italian filmmaker but also co-written by Age in collaboration with the esteemed screenwriting duo, Age & Scarpelli.
A notable figure in the Italian film industry, the individual in question departed this life on November 15, 2005, in the eternal city of Rome, leaving behind a profound and lasting impact as one of Italy's most accomplished and cherished screenwriters.
