**Emma Gramatica (1874-1965)** was one of Italy's greatest actresses, celebrated both in theater and cinema. After a glorious theatrical career, her imposing stage presence and deep voice found perfect expression in sound cinema, where she made her triumphant debut with **La vecchia signora (The Old Lady, 1932)**, an unforgettable performance that established her reputation.

She distinguished herself in roles of strong, often tormented women, sorrowful mothers, or figures of great dignity and pathos. Her acting was intense and dramatic, combining theatrical grandeur with effective cinematic expressiveness. Among her most famous films, in addition to the one already mentioned, are **“Sorelle Materassi” (1944)**, where she brought to life a complex and touching character, **“I promessi sposi” (1941)** and **“Fabiola” (1949)**. Her style made her an icon of Italian drama.