THE WHITE SHEIK

Federico Fellini’s 100th birthday is January 20, 2020, and we mark the occasion with two screenings of a long sought-after gem by him that we have never shown before. (It was the maestro’s first solo outing). Co-written by Michelangelo Antonioni, The White Sheik focuses on a young provincial bride who, while honeymooning in Rome, abandons her new husband to meet her longtime romantic idol, the star of her favorite fumetti (photographic comic book). The “sheik” is played by Italy’s esteemed comic actor Alberto Sordi (also born 100 years ago). With Giulietta Masina (who makes her first appearance as the prostitute Cabiria). Music by Nino Rota. “My favorite Fellini movie.” -Orson Welles. “As hilarious as any Italian farce ever made.” -NY Times. Cleveland revival premiere. Subtitles. DCP. 83 min.