**Camillo Mastrocinque (1901-1969)** was a prolific Italian director and screenwriter, known for his eclectic career. After starting in the 1930s with melodramas and romantic films, he became particularly renowned for his work in comedy, directing many of the most beloved films of the Prince of Laughter, Totò.

His undisputed masterpiece is *Totò, Peppino e la malafemmina* (1956), a cult classic of Italian comedy, accompanied by successes such as *Totò Peppino e i fuorilegge* and *Totò contro Maciste*. Mastrocinque also ventured into mystery and horror (*Il mostro di Venezia*), demonstrating remarkable versatility.

His style was marked by solid professionalism and effective direction of actors, making him an essential craftsman of popular Italian cinema. Towards the end of his career, he also directed successful television episodes, including some of the "Maigret" series starring Gino Cervi.