Don Matteo - the TV series
'Don Matteo' is the Italian TV series in which Terence Hill plays the main character, the priest Don Matteo, who helps the police to solve crimes. The first series was so successful that a second, third and even fourth series was made. Terence Hill received the 'Best Actor of the Year' award for 'Don Matteo' at the 42nd International Television Festival of Monte Carlo, Alessandro Jacchia, producer of the show, received the award as best producer of a European television series. Don Matteo is part priest, part detective and also savior of sinners. Terence appreciated this because he likes to give his characters an adventurous touch. The whole series was shot in Umbria, in a medieval village in the heart of Italy.

The other protagonists of the series are members of the Italian Carabinieri: Maresciallo Cecchini (Nino Frassica), who often needs Don Matteo's help and Captain Anceschi (Flavio Insinna), who does not agree with the friendship between the priest and the Maresciallo. There's also the 'family' of Don Matteo: Natalina the house keeper, Pippo the sexton, Nerino, the little boy and his grandmother Elide, who live in Don Matteo's parish.

 

Quick facts - The first and second series

The first series was directed by Enrico Oldoini, director of the 'new Italian comedy'. For the second series, production company Luxvide hired two directors to share the workload: Leone Pompucci and Andrea Barzini directed eight episodes respectively.

Quick facts - The third series

In winter of 2002, Don Matteo was back on Italian TV with new adventures of the third series. The 16 episodes were directed by Leone Pompucci, Enrico Oldoini and Andrea Barzini. The main actors of the series appeared again - except of Gastone Moschin, who played the Bishop in series one and two, who was replaced by Renato Carpentieri. The first two episodes, aired on September 27th 2002 by Rai Uno, had a share of 25% - with 6.597.000 and 6.004.000 viewers respectively, making 'Don Matteo' one of the most viewed TV shows of the year.

Quick facts - The fourth series

The priest detective, still one of the most popular characters on Italian TV, returns with a fourth series in February 2004. The filming of 'Don Matteo 4' began on 26th of May 2003 in Rome with Giulio Base and Andrea Barzini taking turns in directing the 24 episodes. Don Matteo 4 will be aired on channel Rai International soon, which is available around the world. Check the TV section of this site to find out when it will be on TV in your country!
 
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