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Tinto Brass, Director of Erotic Epics ‘Caligula’ and ‘Salon Kitty,’ Dies at 93
Italian filmmaker Tinto Brass, known for erotic historical dramas including *Salon Kitty* and *Caligula*, has died aged 93. His family announced his death to the Italian news agency Ansa on Wednesday; his career was marked by international success and repeated disputes over censorship and creative control.
Born in Milan in 1933, Brass began directing in 1963 with *Chi Lavora è Perduto*, which won acclaim at Venice but faced censorship in Italy. *Salon Kitty* (1976) brought him international recognition, while *Caligula*, made in 1979 and released in a different cut in 1984, became contentious after producer Bob Guccione took control and added adult scenes. Brass later directed *The Key* and other films about women’s sexual liberation. He is survived by his wife, Caterina Varzi, and children Bonifacio and Beatrice.
In short
- Italian director Tinto Brass has died aged 93.
- His best-known films include *Salon Kitty* and *Caligula*.
- Disputes over censorship and control shaped parts of his career.
Explained simply
Tinto Brass was an Italian film director whose career began in the 1960s. His early work drew attention at the Venice film festival, but also faced censorship in Italy, a recurring issue in his work.
Brass became known internationally for films that combined historical settings with explicit sexual content, including Salon Kitty and Caligula. Caligula was made in one version under Brass, then released in a different cut after producer Bob Guccione took control and added adult scenes.
His films were part of wider debates about censorship, sexual expression and who has creative control over a film. Brass later made films such as The Key, which explored women’s sexual liberation.