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Romantic drama

Variety Lights (1965): Cast, Ratings & Plot

Variety Lights (1965) movie poster

Variety Lights is a 1965 romantic drama directed by Federico Fellini and Alberto Lattuada, starring Carla Del Poggio, Peppino De Filippo and Giulietta Masina. It runs 1 hour 37 minutes. Critics gave it 81 on Metacritic.

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Variety Lights (1965) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 37m (97 min)
Genres
Drama , Romance , Music
Original language
Italian
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Variety Lights About?

The premise of Variety Lights without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

In rural Italy, a group of performers led by the charming Checco Dal Monte struggles to win over local audiences. Their fortunes change when they encounter Lily Antonelli, a talented dancer who brings renewed energy to the troupe. As Lily’s popularity grows, she confronts professional jealousy from Checco's mistress and must find her own path amidst the challenges of the entertainment industry.

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Cast & crew

Variety Lights Cast

Carla Del Poggio leads the cast, with Peppino De Filippo and Giulietta Masina. Directed by Federico Fellini and Alberto Lattuada; 10 actors are credited in all.

From the directors

More from Federico Fellini and Alberto Lattuada

More films directed by Federico Fellini and Alberto Lattuada, best-rated first: La Dolce Vita, 8½, Intervista and Mafioso [re-release].

Ratings

Variety Lights Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Variety Lights 81 on Metacritic.

Plot

Variety Lights Plot Summary

What happens in Variety Lights from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

As the aging manager and his troupe of traveling performers navigate the challenging terrain of small-town engagements, a new star emerges. Liliana (Carla Del Poggio), a young and enchanting woman, becomes captivated by their vaudeville show in a charming Italian village, her eyes sparkling like diamonds under the bright lights. That evening, as the performers board a train for their next adventure, Liliana discreetly tags along, her dreams of joining the group fueling her every step. During the night, she earnestly implores Checco Dal Monte (Peppino De Filippo), the troupe’s manager, to allow her to be part of their ensemble, but her request is initially dismissed.

Full summary

The whole story of Variety Lights, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Variety Lights?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

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Who is the head of the troupe in 'Variety Lights'?

Seen Variety Lights?

FAQ

Variety Lights FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings, post-credit scenes and language of Variety Lights, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Variety Lights?

Variety Lights runs 1 hour 37 minutes (97 minutes).

When was Variety Lights released?

Variety Lights was released on May 6, 1965.

Who directed Variety Lights?

Variety Lights was directed by Federico Fellini and Alberto Lattuada.

More films by Federico Fellini

Who is in the cast of Variety Lights?

Variety Lights stars Carla Del Poggio, Peppino De Filippo and Giulietta Masina, among 10 credited actors.

How is Variety Lights rated?

Variety Lights has 81 on Metacritic.

Does Variety Lights have a post-credit scene?

No. Variety Lights has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is Variety Lights in?

The original language of Variety Lights is Italian.

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