The directorial debut of Federico Fellini did not make waves at the cinema nor did it impress the critics in it's initial release but fast forward today and it is considered a classic. Co directed by Alberto Lattuada who went on to become a prolific director in his own right, the film did more to benefit Fellini who would go on to become one of the world's greatest directors.
The film is about a group of low rate traveling theatrical performers led by it's manager Checco (Peppino De Filippo), he has hopes and aspirations of becoming a success in show business with the help of his mistress and co performer Melina Amour (Giulietta Masina) who manages the business and also saves their earnings.
A young beauty queen named Lily (Carla Del Poggio) suddenly joins the troupe with ambitions of her own, she follows them to a town and persuades them to let her perform in one of their acts.
Lily though not really that talented was able to attract a large audience who seems to enjoy her more as a sex object than a real talent, Checco hopelessly falls for the young starlet and leaves Melina and the troupe for her.
Checco in the meantime tries to do everything he can to make it into show business by building an act and surround Lily with talents that will feature her as the main star.
We see Fellini's imprint all over the film making it undeniably his vision that was shown on screen, his use of movement and transition on lavish parties, dark streets and quirky carnival characters will be his trademark and his evolution from a director to auteur extraordinaire started in this film.
The main focus of the film was the Checco who seemed all the more helpless in keeping the young and restless Lily happy while trying make her a star not only in his eyes but also to others who doubt him. The story is simple enough and we see for what Checco really is, not just an old man trying to romance a young woman but a dreamer trying to make it into show business with his muse by his side.
His desire for her is not too much sexual in nature but he sees her as his key to finding success though he is blinded more by her beauty than her talent. The ending is typical Fellini with the main character returning to his troupe with unresolved issues hoping for the next big break with Melina by his side again.
To sum up the film is worth watching as we see the beginnings of a great director who would go on to direct "8 1/2", "La Dolce Vita", "Amarcord" etc. and would go on to revolutionize cinema as we know today.
Grade: A+
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