Federico Fellini-Il Bidone (1955)

Federico Fellini's 1955 film Il bidone (The Swindlers) sits between La strada (1954) and Nights of Cabiria (1957) in his 'trilogy of loneliness' and displays the hallmarks of his emerging talent. Bfi Video




Augusto (played by American actor Broderick Crawford) is the leader of a gang of small-time con men who travel around the countryside in various disguises, elaborately tricking the ignorant and poor out of their savings. His accomplices are Picasso (Richard Basehart), who is only trying to earn a decent living (though by indecent means) to support his wife and small daughter, and the charming Roberto (Franco Fabrizi). The tone at first is light-hearted, and then it becomes sombre as the true cruelty of the swindlers' tricks becomes apparent. The trio's lack of morality is tested when Augusto is reunited with his estranged daughter and Picasso is faced with the disapproving patience of his loving wife (played by Fellini's wife, Giulietta Masina). Bfi Video




Featuring excellent performances from Crawford, Basehart and Masina, set against a colourful backdrop of sharply observed characters and exuberant music, this social drama is by turns comic, bitter and tragic. Bfi Video




In Fellini's sardonically humorous, yet powerfully dramatic "Il Bidone," three small-time crooks impersonate priests in Rome to con poor people out of their money. Academy Award winner Broderick Crawford is extraordinary as the group's world weary leader, whose chance meeting with his daughter opens his eyes to his wrongdoing. Too late, he suffers a crisis of conscience in this absorbing tale of hope, desperation and, finally, redemption. (Product Description)




One of Fellini's most realistic films, "Il Bidone" begins as an Italian comedy of errors, its swindles reminiscent of "The Sting," yet there is true sting in its harsh portrayal of greed and squalor. The middle chapter in Fellini's "trilogy of loneliness" between "La Strada" and "Nights of Cabiria," this classic film will tug at your heart and astonish you with its aching sense of compassion. Music by Nino Rota. (Product Description)