Il Bidone

The Swindle (Italy - France)

By VARIETY STAFF

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Titanus/SGC. Director Federico Fellini; Screenplay Federico Fellini, Ennio Flaiano, Tullio Pinelli; Camera Otello Martelli; Editor Mario Serandrei, Giuseppe Vari; Music Nino Rota; Art Director Dario Cecchi
 
Broderick Crawford
Richard Basehart
Franco Fabrizi
Giulietta Masina
Sue Ellen Blake
Giacomo Gabrielli
 

Controversial pic, considerably trimmed since its Venice Film Festival showing, tells of three smalltime swindlers and some of their exploits in fleecing gullible Romans of their hard-earned coin.

But more than in telling these tales, some of them amusing, pic centers on the sad loneliness which characterizes the lives of these men, and especially that of Augusto (Broderick Crawford). For while Roberto (Franco Fabrizi), the youngest, progresses in the 'trade' and moves on to bigger exploits in Milan, and Picasso (Richard Basehart) gives it up while he still can, Augusto is killed by his own men in his first serious attempt to go straight.

Film is full of symbolisms and contains some powerful moments, as well as bitingly satirical sequences such as a cocktail party brawl in a rich swindler's apartment. Yet despite the arty slant, general audiences are bound to note a general tediousness, only here and there relieved by a humorous or human touch. It is a bitter pic on a bitter subject [from a screen story by Federico Fellini and Ennio Flaiano].

Acting is good, with Crawford turning in a somber performance as Augusto, though his choice for the role is debatable. Basehart's Picasso is unclearly defined in the script, while Fabrizi comes off best as the carefree member of the group.

(B&W) Available on VHS, DVD. Extract of a review from 1955. Running time: 100 MIN.