Al Cliver: The Man and His Beard

For all those veterans out there who’s familiar with Italian genre films, one often discover these recognizable actors even though they didn’t play any particularly important roles. Often, these actors have a great charm because they are connected with a style of filmmaking which manages to present their characters in a…perhaps somewhat odd way. One example of this is Luciano Pigozzi (aka Allan Collins), who’s appeared in countless Italian films in these small parts. Another example is Al Cliver.

Now, if you’ve learned to see the two different versions of Al Cliver on screen (the beardy Cliver and the shaved Cliver), it can only mean one thing; you’re a veteran. It’s strange how his appearance almost completely changes once he sadly decides to shave himself.
Al had an undistinguished career in Italian cinema, always turning up every here and there. It’s sad that no one picked up on his amazing talent for acting. That is because Al is the fulfilment of Hugo Stiglitz. He has the non-facial expression of Stiglitz, but also shows some signs of expressions every now and then. It is an amazing thing that allowed Al to be both stiff and normal. Sometimes at the same time! I remember a scene in Zombie, where Al’s wife gets killed. Al just stood there and watched, like he was in shock. The realism in that scene truley reflects real life. I couldn’t believe my own eyes!
I thought this guy was interesting. His manly beard inspired me to grow my own (with little success), as well as his juicy haircut. How this man went so unnoticed in throughout his career is beyond me.

In 1983, master Joe D’amato, along with Al Cliver, created motion picture history when D’amato made one of the all time masterpieces: Endgame – Bronx Lotta finale. Al Cliver made his greatest performance, this time as the leading man. Unfortunately, Cliver was never recognized for his downright breathtaking performance, and his career started going downhill. Al Cliver had an uncompromising talent for acting, and was unjustly never recognized. His acting abilities were revolutionary in the Italian film industry, and because of this, Italian cinema will never be the same again. Thank you Al, for everything.