See this film: La Strada at the Coolidge

When it comes to Italian neorealist movies, the only movie that rivals De Sica's Umberto D. in the tear-jerk department is Federico Fellini's heartbreaking La Strada (1954). Fellini's wife Giulietta Masina plays Gelsomina, a simple, pure-hearted girl devoted to the brutish circus strong man Zampano (Anthony Quinn), who bought her from her impoverished family to assist in his act. Quinn's scene on the beach will resonate with anyone who finally recognizes what really matters in life, but only when it's too late. | It screens Monday, August 29 at the Coolidge, 290 Harvard St, Brookline | 7 pm | $9; $6 seniors | 617.734.2501 or coolidge.org.