The Swindle

Fellini’s fifth feature (following 1954’s immortal La Strada) again enlists Hollywood stars in a heartrending portrait of rootlessness and regret. Augusto (Broderick Crawford, Oscar winner for All the King’s Men) is the eldest of three itinerant con men, perpetrating grifts and chasing the good life until a meeting with his estranged daughter revives his nobler instincts. Among the director’s most socially conscious works—Augusto’s victims tend to be poor and gullible—Fellini draws exceptional performances from Crawford, Richard Basehart (La Strada’s Fool), and, in the smaller role of Basehart’s spouse, Fellini’s wife and muse Giulietta Masina. Highlighted by a memorable score from frequent Fellini composer Nino Rota.