My favorite performance of Sophia Loren, looking not glamorous, but radiantly beautiful. De Sica- director of the Neorealist classic Bicycle Thieves- directed Loren's Oscar-winning performance and a well-deserved win it was for her. It was the first time the Best Actress Oscar was awarded for a performance outside of an American film. This alone should tell you something.

Set in Italy during WWII, the film follows a mother and daughter's travails. Lots of heart in this film.

Also starring Jean-Paul Belmondo (Breathless), this 1960 Italian language film is sometimes difficult to watch, but I think it's De Sica's best work.

This is not a film for the average movie-goer, who would, no doubt, find it boring, but for the dedicated film fan, I think it's essential viewing.

Airing overnight, 2:30 AM Eastern Time.

Ciao!

I found it very difficult to watch. And its excellent.

I missed this post, but perhaps I can still watch it. I have seen it in the past, but I’m unsure how well I remember it. IIRC, the two are moving an ornate cannon with the touch hole being the mouth of a bearded man. No details.