 Complete the following phrase:  Ponti was born in Magenta, Lombardy, where his grandfather had been mayor of the city. Ponti studied law at the University of Milan. He joined his fathers law firm in Milan and became involved in the film business through negotiating contracts. Ponti attempted to establish a film industry in Milan in 1940 and produced Mario Soldatis Piccolo Mondo Antico there, starring Alida Valli, in her first notable role. The film dealt with the 