Linguist, Actor. He is best remembered for having played the starring role in the film masterpiece of Italian neorealism “Umberto D” (1952) directed by Vittorio De Sica. A professor at University of Florence, he devoted himself to the study of Italian dialectology, toponymy and cartography topography, soon becoming one of the greatest Italian experts. Battisti was also a teacher of Latin languages at the University of Vienna. He was the author of several books and essays including notably “Fonetica Generale” (1938), “Avviamento allo studio del latino volgare” (1949) and “Dizionario etimologico italiano in 5 volumi ” (1957), a monumental work completed after seven years of work and research (1950 to 1957). He achieved world fame after his intense portrayal as Umbero D in the masterpiece of one of the great masters of Italian cinema. In 1955, he directed the documentary film “Nozze Fassane.” (bio by: Ruggero)