Luci del Varietà

Fellini and Lattuada take the hide off show business brusquely, they are more caustic together against the folly, not less severe or insensible of pity on their own.

This is such stuff as dream-sellers are made on, the natural order rates scum and balloons at their elevation, it is of no consequence.

Among the many comparisons constantly in view is Ozu’s Floating Weeds, showbiz in the lowliest troupers has a certain universality, hasn’t it (Mankiewicz made All About Eve the same year).

It might be, however, that the admirably serene comedy of the deceived top banana is from Lattuada, the horror is Fellini’s.