What scale/mode is typically used when writing italian sounding themes (think godfather)

What scale/mode is typically used when trying to convey an italian style theme or sound?

As an example, think of music from the godfather.

I am pretty sure that the main theme from that film (called "speak softly love") was actually just in C minor.

But im looking for a modal scale with that signature sound, much in the same way that Harmonic Minor sounds distinctly "middle eastern" or "Mediterranean"

Any ideas?

Thanks!!!

OA

I would say that Dorian is a typical mode in mimicing the Italian sound. But what else is typical is modal interchange. For example change the mode to phrygian

Listen to and analyse Tchaikovsky's Op. 39, No. 15, Italian Song. It's a good piece to study since it's easy to get a good overview and it has that (if you ask me) typical italian sound if you want to set that kind of mood in for example film music. This piece, if I remember correctly, is in the ionian scale.

I would recommend studying the gestures and phrases, I think that's what will help you emulate an italian "sound" since the harmonic language seems to be similar to a lot of other folk music.

Note that I'm addressing this matter from the point of view of film music. I'm not attempting to trivialize Italian folk music.