The Clowns (1970)

A ragout of real memories and mockumentary, as Fellini explores a childhood obsession: circus clowns.

Director:

Federico Fellini

Writers:

Federico Fellini, Bernardino Zapponi

Stars:

Riccardo Billi, Federico Fellini, Gigi Reder

4 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Riccardo Billi	...	Himself - Italian Clown (as Billi)
Federico Fellini	...	Himself
Gigi Reder	...	Himself - Italian Clown (as Reder)
Tino Scotti	...	Himself - Italian Clown (as Scotti)
Valentini	...	Himself - Italian Clown
Fanfulla	...	Himself - Italian Clown
Merli	...	Himself - Italian Clown
Carlo Rizzo	...	Himself - Italian Clown (as Rizzo)
Alberto Colombaioni	...	Themselves - Italian Clowns (as I 4 Colombaioni)
Pistoni	...	Himself - Italian Clown
Martana	...	Themselves - Italian Clowns (as I Martana)
Giacomo Furia	...	Himself - Italian Clown (as Furia)
Alvaro Vitali	...	Himself (as The Troupe)
Dante Maggio	...	Himself - Italian Clown (as Maggio)
Galliano Sbarra	...	Himself - Italian Clown (as Sbarra)

Storyline

Fellini exposes his great attraction for the clowns and the world of the circus first recalling a childhood experience when the circus arrives nearby his home. Then he joins his crew and travel from Italy to Paris chasing the last greatest European clowns still live in these countries. He also meets Anita Ekberg trying to buy a panther in a circus.

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Plot Keywords:

clown | circus | childhood | memory | italy | 

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Genres:

Documentary | Comedy

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Certificate:

G

Details

Country:

Italy France West Germany

Language:

Italian French German

Release Date:

25 December 1970 (Italy)

Also Known As:

The Clowns

Filming Locations:

Sabaudia, Latina, Lazio, Italy

Company Credits

Production Co:

RAI Radiotelevisione Italiana, Compagnia Leone Cinematografica, Office de Radiodiffusion Télévision Française (ORTF)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

92 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Connections

Referenced in New Shoes: Today's Clowns in Europe (2009)

User Reviews

Only for those who absolutely adore clowns or the work of Fellini

This is an odd vanity project from the famed Italian director, Federico Fellini. It's quite different from his usual films--even though his flashbacks to his youth permeate the film like "Roma" and "Amarcord". This is because of general recollections of childhood, this one specifically is about clowns--something which seems like an obsession in this film. It's shot semi-documentary style and is quite episodic--showing various clowns around Europe and his recollections. In addition, often parallels to the clowns are given--real life situations and people who remind him of the clowns. If you are looking for anything more, then you're out of luck. And, it's a true testament to his fans that such a film STILL is highly regarded. As for me, I thought it was pretty boring and pointless. Sorry...but I just didn't see a lot of reason to watch this one except so that I could one day say I've seen all of Fellini's films (and I am darn close now).