Trivia

As a teenager, was an ardent cello player. Actually constructed several instrument himself by hand.

Invented one of the first models of platform dolly and some other technical devices.

Pioneering Italian producer/director of pre-Hollywood historical epics, done on a grand scale and with lavish, meticulously researched sets. His most famous film was Cabiria (1914), which was said to have influenced noted American filmmaker D.W. Griffith. Pastrone, who had begun in the industry as an administrator in 1905, successfully promoted his movies via his own production company, Itala Film, and through ownership of a chain of picture theatres. He retired a wealthy man in 1923.