Federico Fellini directed and co-wrote the 1954 Italian drama film La strada (with Tullio Pinelli and Ennio Flaiano). Gelsomina (Giulietta Masina) is a simple-minded young woman who is bought from her mother by Zampan (Anthony Quinn), a brutal strongman who takes her with him on the road.
The development process was lengthy and difficult; there were issues during production, such as unstable financial support, difficulties casting, and repeated delays. Finally, shortly before the project wrapped, Fellini experienced a mental breakdown that necessitated medical attention so that he could finish primary filming. The film’s initial critical reception was scathing, and its premiere at the Venice Film Festival sparked a furious debate that erupted into a public battle between Fellini’s fans and adversaries.