A man of uncommon strength, who lives on the road and makes his living as an entertainer performing feats of strength, but who masks the emptiness of his life with a perpetual show of bravura, is the focal point of `La Strada,' directed by Federico Fellini and written by Fellini and Tullio Pinelli. It's the story of Zampano (Anthony Quinn),who travels from town to town, eking out a meager living by passing the hat after each performance, which consists mainly of wrapping a quarter-inch chain made of iron around his chest, then breaking it by expanding his lungs. In his endeavors he is assisted by Gelsomina (Giulietta Masina),a simple-minded young woman who is devoted to this selfish man endowed with little more intelligence than she. The tragedy of Zampano is that while he seeks fulfillment in meaningless carnal pursuits and the hollow acclaim of strangers, the happiness that eludes him is at hand; but his own self-deception prevents him from recognizing what a treasure he already has in Gelsomina. One of Fellini's earliest films, there is a straightforward, almost simplistic richness to his style, both visually and narratively, that is devoid of the surreal atmosphere with which he invests his later projects. Still, the mood he creates is mesmerizing, aided to a great extent by the haunting theme and score by Nino Rota. It is a story that gradually draws the viewer in through the sympathy evoked by the gentle innocence of Gelsomina, whose purity of spirit is seemingly in such stark contrast to that of Zampano. Watching her respond to his unthinking brutality of her with unadulterated kindness, time after time, is heartrending; and in the end, when Zampano ultimately secures our sympathies as well, it seems almost contradictory, though contextually just. As Zampano, Anthony Quinn gives what is arguably one of the best performances of his career; with depth and nuance, he creates the epitome of the brutal simpleton, a man whose lack of wit forces him to exist by the most basic of instincts. And Quinn conveys it all so perfectly, both physically and emotionally; it is an inspired, memorable performance. But without question, the true heart of the film is provided by the wondrous Giulietta Masina. What a superb, unforgettable performance; everything about her is totally engaging, beginning with the supple roundness of her face, which accentuates her expressive eyes and winning smile. Her Gelsomina is so lithe, her presence so angelic, that at times it seems as if she is about to float up off the screen. She conveys such compassion and vulnerability, such warmth of being, that it becomes impossible not to lose your heart to her. It is quite simply an irresistible, truly heartwarming performance. Also, in an exceptionally effective supporting role, is Richard Basehart, as Il `Matto,' the `Fool.' A tightrope walker by trade, the Fool is the antithesis of Zampano, a lighthearted soul who befriends Gelsomina and becomes her voice of hope and logic, while at the same time manifesting a taunting, challenging and unwelcomed presence to Zampano. Ironically, it is the Fool who becomes the catalyst for the tragedies that ultimately befall Gelsomina, and finally Zampano. The supporting cast includes Aldo Silvani (Il Signor Giraffa),Marcella Rovere (The Widow) and Livia Venturini (The Sister). An earthy, thought-provoking film, `La Strada' is one that will linger on sweetly in your mind's eye; the images and impressions it creates may, with time, dissolve-- but the essence of it will remain with you always. For once Fellini has touched you, it is forever. I rate this one 10/10.

I've gotta admit that I unfairly gave this film a poor review a while back. When I first saw the film, I didn't like it and was overwhelmed by the depressing aspects of the movie. BUT, when I just saw it again, I thought it was a masterfully made film! The film begins with Anthony Quinn buying a lady (Giulietta Masina) from her poor mother! Quinn (who is dubbed throughout the film) plays a traveling strongman and he needs a woman to be his assistant. There are two problems with this. First, Masina plays a slow-witted lady who isn't much of a cook, so her value to Quinn seems minimal at first. Second, Quinn is a selfish, boorish and violent man who mistreats his assistant throughout the film--both verbally and physically. However, poor little Masina is like a beaten dog. Once she tries to leave him but he soon catches her and now she has finally given up and resigns herself to her wretched life. The only positive in her life is that although she is pretty slow, she has some natural comic talent and is actually quite a help to Quinn--though he is such a brute he doesn't recognize it. There is a lot more to the film than this--including an interesting character played by Richard Basehart (also dubbed--with a really freaky voice),but I don't want to spoil the film by saying more.

Overall, despite American actors Quinn and Basehart being in the film, the standout star is Masina. Ms. Masina was the real-life Mrs. Fellini and she was absolutely amazing as the poor lady, Gelsomina. Rarely, if ever, have I seen an actor done so much with their facial expressions and body language. While NOT an attractive woman, she is able to make you laugh at times and charm you while at other times, she shows such tragedy and pain as well. A truly brilliant job of acting and her hubby did a great job of eliciting the performance and setting the mood. While this is NOT a feel-good film, it is brilliant and well worth seeing. I feel really bad for having at one time disliked the film--what WAS I thinking?!

Like with Fellini's other films perhaps, La Strada mayn't be to everybody's tastes. But I loved it. My only problem was that the lip-synching was occasionally a little sloppy, but La Strada is a powerful, poignant and beautiful film.

Fellini's direction is superb. He is a wonderful director, and his passion for his films and their subject matter really comes through. As always, the visuals are beautiful, simpler than I have seen before from a Fellini film, but the cinematography and scenery are stunning.

The music, courtesy of master Nina Rota is wonderful. It really adds to the film's emotion and as is the case with the master's other scores, it is beautiful, haunting and sticks in the mind for a long while after.

The story is well-written and touching. Some of it may be bizarre and sentimental with the concept and love story, but it is also very touching with a dream like quality to it. Fellini also throws in some messages and symbols which are incorporated quite nicely I think.

The script I have no qualms with. Emotionally it resonated with me, and it gave real credibility to the characters. Speaking of the characters, all are very credible especially Gelsomina.

The acting is wonderful. Guilietta Masina is amazing as Gelsomina, it is altogether a sympathetic and touching performance. Anthony Quinn is also memorable as Zampano, and to me Richard Basehart gives one of his better performances as he is amusing without jarring.

All in all, probably my least favourite of the Fellinis I've seen so far, but I still loved it. It is a very beautiful film and well worth seeing. 9/10 Bethany Cox