Roman by adoption but born in Brazil in 1908 to Italian emigrants, Elio Luxardo (1908-1969) is perhaps the greatest representative of the generation that found itself immersed in the Italy of the thirties, though clearly distinct from his colleagues of the time.

An outstanding craftsman of the darkroom, he arrived in Rome in 1932 and grew professionally in the years when the Cinecittà studios were developing, cultivating his talent by portraying actors.