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La Strada (1954)

La Strada (1954)
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Acclaimed Italian filmmaker Federico Fellini drew on his own circus background for the 1954 classic La Strada. Set in a seedy travelling carnival, this symbolism-laden drama revolves around brutish strongman Zampano (Anthony Quinn), his simple and servile girlfriend Gelsomina (Giulietta Masina, Fellini's wife), and clown/aerialist Matto (Richard Basehart). Appalled at Zampano's insensitive treatment of Gelsomina, the gentle-natured Matto invites her to run off with him; but Gelsomina, like a faithful pet, refuses to leave the strong man's side. Eventually Zampano's volcanic temper erupts once too often, leading to tragic consequences. Written by Fellini and Tullio Pinelli and scored by Nino Rota, La Strada was the winner of the first official Academy Award for Best Foreign-Language Film, awarded in 1956. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Starring:
Giulietta MasinaAnthony Quinn, (more)
Director(s):
Federico Fellini
Format(s):
DVD
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Synopsis of La Strada

Acclaimed Italian filmmaker Federico Fellini drew on his own circus background for the 1954 classic La Strada. Set in a seedy travelling carnival, this symbolism-laden drama revolves around brutish strongman Zampano (Anthony Quinn), his simple and servile girlfriend Gelsomina (Giulietta Masina, Fellini's wife), and clown/aerialist Matto (Richard Basehart). Appalled at Zampano's insensitive treatment of Gelsomina, the gentle-natured Matto invites her to run off with him; but Gelsomina, like a faithful pet, refuses to leave the strong man's side. Eventually Zampano's volcanic temper erupts once too often, leading to tragic consequences. Written by Fellini and Tullio Pinelli and scored by Nino Rota, La Strada was the winner of the first official Academy Award for Best Foreign-Language Film, awarded in 1956. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
108 mins

Complete Cast of La Strada


Director(s):
Federico Fellini
Writer(s):
Federico FelliniTullio PinelliEnnio Flaiano
Producer(s):
Dino de LaurentiisCarlo Ponti
La Strada Awards:
  • 1956 - New York Film Critics Circle - Best Foreign Film
  • 1954 - Venice International Film Festival - Silver Lion
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Member Reviews
 
Andrea P.

Disc 1 is the entire 108-minute film; disc 2 is a 55-minute docu-mentary. "La Strada" ("The Road") was shot with the American actors speaking English and the Italian actors speaking Italian, b/c Italian sets of the time were not soundproofed and films were shot without sound. All voices were dubbed in later, in Italian, often by other actors. Subsequently, English subtitles added at the end do not often resemble the original, spoken English. Anthony Quinn received much attention for his performance as Zampano, but Giulietta Masina, as Gelsomina, is the real star. She is known as the female Charlie Chaplin and is an enchanting gamine with an expressive, clownish face. "La Strada" is worth watching for her performance alone. Richard Basehart's character, "Il Matto" (the "Fool" or "Crazy One"), is marvelously sympathetic, as well; you'll wish Gelsomina had run off with him. Easier to follow than most of Fellini's films, this one sustains interest throughout.

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David P.

This early Fellini film deserved all the honors it won for its compelling ``neo-realism'' look at one slice of life in post-war Italy. The performances of Quinn and Massina are stunning. Well worth watching.

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RICARDO A.

Is a Fellini movie, definitely. Is a nice (long but nice) movie to see with someone who likes old cinema... We enjoyed boths discs of the movie and the italian accents, cultures and landscapes were great.

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