The Pipe Club, July 1966: Enzo Tortora

The second "character" that our Giorgio Colarossi interviewed for the small gallery of artists who have "a treasure in their voice" (and also defend it by preferring the pipe to the temptation of cigarettes) is one of the best and most prepared presenters of Television: Enzo Tortora. Here is the graceful portrait that emerged from this meeting.

Asking questions, interviewing, perhaps embarrassing others a little, is part of the considerable baggage of presenter Enzo Tortora; You will therefore admit from the start that our task was difficult to "scratch" him a little to obtain a lively and sincere portrait. Luckily, let it be said in all honesty, he came to meet us himself, with the politeness, friendliness and courtesy that distinguish him even on television screens. Because - let's say it straight away - Tortora, in private life, is exactly what we see smiling at us from the video with ever more continuous frequency.

The attack was polemical, it's part of his nature: "Why are you addressing me in particular, there is at least one other presenter much more prominent than myself, even as a pipe smoker... I don't think I'm worthy...". Let's put a point under his credit and continue with the questions. « I confess that I have a genuine love for the pipe, but unfortunately it has been degraded by so many betrayals; yes sir, precisely with those cheap cheap ones called cigarettes. Yet, the pipe is truly my tonic: it helps me relax when I rest, it prevents me from smoking the light ones I mentioned before, which could ruin my health, given that I don't lead such a peaceful life. How does he say? Yes, of course, I also need it to protect my voice: but do you really think that it is a little treasure for me?”. We agree, also because we have now classified it in this gallery. And we follow.

“So, I don't have many pipes, for the simple reason that I have a bad habit of losing them. Of course, when I realize I've lost one I'm sorry - no, being Genoese has nothing to do with it: it's an emotional matter - but I can't do anything about it; I lose them because I'm distracted, careless, not because I'm not interested in these dear companions in my moments of relaxation. At present, I only have three with me, and I must admit that they are very few."

The question and answer continues on this slightly ironic thread: “I definitely prefer the classic type of pipe and I love those that take up little space and have little weight. How did I start smoking a pipe? But, I believe like most men: to please the woman who gave it to me. Since then, it can be said that the pipes have rained on me almost continuously. Of course, always gifts from women; maybe write “fabulous blondes”, if that suits you”.

It's just right, so we write it. And we close this first part by coughing to call the person being questioned to greater concentration.

“Of course, I like smoking a pipe and it's good for me; I'm not a technician, I have my own tastes, I don't like blends but pure English tobaccos. And it will be difficult for you to see me with a pipe in my mouth, because I usually do it when I am at peace, calm, relaxed, alone, in absolute serenity."

At this point we should leave - to the wise... - but we must complete the portrait. “So, you want me to tell you a little about me as a TV personality. All the programs I have presented so far, I'll tell you straight away, have given me complete satisfaction; perhaps, I must admit that the warmth, the affection, the friendliness that I have felt in the public since I have been driving the “Sports Sunday” boat, I have never felt so throbbing. And it's a great satisfaction. But I also enjoy it and like to present the current edition of “Giochi senza frontiere”, and I cannot forget the wonderful days of “Primo applauso” and “Telematch”. Precise programs? I have not; I would like to limit my work to television, without intruding too much into other fields of entertainment; also because I have a great desire to rest a little."

We're on the subject, Mr. Tortora can no longer hold back. “I can say that my work on television satisfies me completely. An anecdote regarding “Sports Sunday”? Oh, one is enough forever: when the red light on the camera filming me live is about to light up, Carlo Silva approaches me and reminds me that - in the program I'm about to present - there is only the theme song ready. So, it's as if he pushed me into the water, out to sea, and told me: either you swim or you drown. So far, I think I've done quite well with my crawl, also because a large team of journalists, technicians, the director and Silva himself assist me paternally."

Finally: is there a dream in Enzo Tortora's drawer? “Well, more than a dream, a hope, which does not only concern me. And that is, that all television programs have the tone, the discursive tone that we tried, precisely, to give to "Sports Sunday" (thanks for the compliment: it was remembered that it was proclaimed the program of the year): I believe in short, that with a slightly more attractive "varnish" even a serious program like "L'approdo literary" could interest and attract a wider audience. What do you think?".

We think it's time to turn the idea over to those in charge and close this little note by thanking Enzo Tortora, king - if nothing else - of lost pipes; and the "fabulous blondes" who regularly supply it. He is blessed. For the pipes, of course.

Giorgio Colaross