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Directed by Alberto Lattuada, Federico Fellini, Variety Lights leans on a strong ensemble — Peppino De Filippo, Carla Del Poggio, Giulietta Masina — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.
The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 1950.
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An evening at an Italian restaurant. Hosted by tolerant and relaxed Flora, various parties of middle-class people come in -- large and small, young and old, regulars and tourists, married and single -- to dine, converse, argue, celebrate, make confessions; to overhear other people's discussions, to interrupt them, to sing, listen to music, and enjoy life.
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