The White Sheik

Federico Fellini's first solo directorial effort (he codirected VARIETY LIGHTS with Alberto Lattuada in 1951) is an enjoyable romp that shows the director's early promise. Newlyweds Wanda (Brunella Bovo) and Ivan Cavalli (Leopoldo Trieste) are honeymooning in Rome. The couple is mismatched: Ivan is conservative in nature, while his bride is full of spontaneity and eager to pursue her dreams. When Wanda learns that the popular photographic comic book "The White Sheik" is being shot nearby, she heads off to ogle the sheik (Alberto Sordi), sending Ivan on a frantic search for her all over Rome and jeopardizing their planned papal audience. When Wanda actually meets he...