Il Bidone mayn't make my top 5 of Fellini movies like Nights of Cabiria, La Dolce Vita, 8 1/12, Amarcord and La Strada. But along with Ginger and Fred it makes my top 7. Il Bidone is superbly directed as ever by Fellini, and looks absolutely beautiful with the sweeping cinematography and scenery. The music score by Nino Rota is bright and jaunty in tone with enough of the sumptuous orchestration to make his wok distinctive. The story is both charming and moving, with a nostalgic feel that is further accentuated by Fellini's direction and Rota's score. Broderick Crawford in the lead gives a heart-breakingly moving performance, and you do feel sympathy for his character. The rest of the acting is strongly characterised, but Crawford is the one who really stands out in the memory.
Overall, one of Fellini's best and unjustly overlooked. 10/10 Bethany Cox
Overall, one of Fellini's best and unjustly overlooked. 10/10 Bethany Cox