Luci del varietà (Variety Lights) (1951)

100% of critics liked it
(10 reviews)
68% of users liked it
(497 ratings)

Federico Fellini's directorial debut (co-directed with veteran Alberto Lattuada), Luci del Varietà is a bittersweet drama about a bunch of misfits in a traveling vaudeville troupe. The group of actors, dancers, and performers struggle to make it from town to town, playing to minimal crowds. Their… More Federico Fellini's directorial debut (co-directed with veteran Alberto Lattuada), Luci del Varietà is a bittersweet drama about a bunch of misfits in a traveling vaudeville troupe. The group of actors, dancers, and performers struggle to make it from town to town, playing to minimal crowds. Their comedic leader, Checco Dal Monte (Peppino De Filippo) just wants his act to be a success. His longtime sweetheart, Melina Amour (Fellini's wife Giulietta Masina), keeps the business end of things together and saves up money with plans of buying a business. Stumbling into one small town for another show, Checco meets beauty queen Lily (Carla Del Poggio) and puts her in the show as a dancer. When it appears that her sex appeal is drawing in large crowds of enthusiastic spectators, she quickly becomes the star of the show. Checco soon becomes infatuated with her, casting aside Melina and breaking up the troupe in order to put on a showcase for Lily instead. The loyal group of outcast performers are left without a leader, while star-eyed Lily proves to be relentless in her quest for fame. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 33 min.
Directed By: Federico Fellini, Alberto Lattuada
Genres: Art House & International, Drama

In Theaters: Dec 6, 1950 Wide
On DVD: Mar 9, 2010
Studio: Pathé Contemporary Films

Critic Reviews

A.H. Weiler, New York Times
The cognoscenti will recognize touches that have turned up in eight Fellini features that followed this one.
Fernando F. Croce, CinePassion
In as sordid a trade as showbiz, it pays to create theater out of life's miseries
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
Even in this early effort the whimsical, odd world of Fellini comes dancing forth.
James Kendrick, Q Network Film Desk
a poignant melodrama set against the backdrop of a group of struggling variety performers that travels from town to town
Gabe Leibowitz, eCinemaCenter.com
Delightfully charming and whimsical, if nowhere near as consequential as Fellini's best.
James Kendrick, Q Network Film Desk
a funny, touching film about the foibles of desire and the dreams of stardom shared by both the young and the old
Scott Renshaw, Apollo Guide
While many viewers may watch it primarily to look for clues as to the filmmaker Fellini would become, there's actually a perfectly satisfying narrative at its core.
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid
It ranks with the more simple pleasures of Nights of Cabiria and La Strada -- in short, some of Fellini's best work.

Read all 8 critic reviews

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Eric B

Federico Fellini co-directed "Variety Lights" with mentor Albert Lattuada, but it clearly bears his stamp -- the showbiz theme and loose, multi-character storytelling foreshadow his entire career. Fellini had not hooked up with composer Nino Rota yet, but the ever-delightful… More
Federico Fellini co-directed "Variety Lights" with mentor Albert Lattuada, but it clearly bears his stamp -- the showbiz theme and loose, multi-character storytelling foreshadow his entire career. Fellini had not hooked up with composer Nino Rota yet, but the ever-delightful Giuletta Masina is here. The film's story follows a shabby vaudeville troupe led by the likably vulnerable Mr. Checco (Peppino de Filippo). A beautiful dancer seeking fame (Carla Del Poggio) contrives a way into the act and quickly becomes the star. Checco has a pattern of wooing his "discoveries" and soon falls for the new talent. This upsets his previous conquest (Masina), a dubious "master of disguise" who calls herself Melina Amour. Meanwhile, other problems with personnel and bookings threaten to sink the company. The first half is far stronger than its second -- once Del Poggio's character grabs the spotlight, the story loses steam. Still, "Variety Lights" is a must for Fellini fans. And perhaps for Woody Allen fans too -- the scenario seems a likely inspiration for "Broadway Danny Rose."