The economic boom helped to encourage new fashions, fun and rejection of the rules. American films depicted and at the same time acted as a catalyst for this vast social mosaic. The unknown Turkish dancer Aiche Nana performed her legendary impromptu striptease at the Rugantino restaurant in Rome and the majors from the USA moved the sets for their blockbusters to the city, that was not only historical and hospitable, but also offered very low production costs. Spartacus and Ben-Hur created some momentum. Via Veneto filled up with stars, nobles, Eastern princes and billionaires. La dolce vita by Fellini told the story and paved the way, creating a legendary scene with thousands of faces and lights that would be recorded for posterity by the flashing cameras of the paparazzi, amidst brawls and chases.



Making the scene: Marcello Mastroianni, Dino De Laurentis, Anita Ekberg, Pierpaolo Pasolini, Carlo Ponte, De Sica, Antonioni, Sophia Loren, Anouk Aimee, Jayne Mansfield, Dean Martin, Liz & Richard Burton, Charlton Heston, John Wayne, Ava Gardner, Gina Lollobrigida, Bardot, King Farouk, and a cast of thousands.