This comment is not about the movie but about the unique way it was released in the USA. Joseph E. Levine, a master showman of his day, acquired the rights to the film. He created a 'buzz' for the movie which created audience demand. He booked the Astor theater in Times Square, then a major Broadway movie palace. He advertised it like a Broadway play. There would be showings every night at eight, plus matinees at two every Wed., Sat., Sun. This was nothing new. Several films, such as "The Ten Commandments", had done the same to great effect. The difference was that Levine's film was in a foreign language. And in black and white. His plan worked. It was a smash hit.
Review of La Dolce Vita
