Nights of Cabiria

Nights of Cabiria

Year: 1957

Runtime: 110 mins

Language: Italian

Director: Federico Fellini

DramaHumanity and the world around usMoving relationship storiesCaptivating relationships and charming romancePassion and romance

Set in Rome in 1957, the film follows Cabiria, a tenacious young street‑walker whose boyfriend Giorgio betrays her, stealing her money and abandoning her to drown. After being rescued, she rebuilds her life, seeking love and stability amid a harsh, cynical society. Even when she believes she has finally found happiness, new challenges reveal that security remains elusive.

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Timeline & Setting – Nights of Cabiria (1957)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Nights of Cabiria (1957). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Field by the river, Cabiria's home, Upscale nightclub, Movie star's house, Church area, Caves near her home, Woods by a lake, Town

The story unfolds across a field by a river, Cabiria's modest home, and the city's glittering nightclub circuit. The movie star's house anchors moments of opulence and desire, while the church area and caves provide intimate spaces for vulnerability and danger. A woods-by-a-lake setting and the town backdrop showcase Cabiria's social world, balancing public spectacle with private fear.

🌾 Field 🎭 Nightclub 🏠 Home 🏰 Actor's House ⛪ Church 🕳️ Caves 🌊 Lake 🏘️ Town

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 19:23

Main Characters – Nights of Cabiria (1957)

Meet the key characters of Nights of Cabiria (1957), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Cabiria Ceccarelli

A resilient young woman who turns to prostitution and dreams of lasting love and stability. She endures manipulation by men, experiences moments of glamour and humiliation, and remains determined to find meaning in a hostile world. Her saving grace is a stubborn hope and capacity to keep moving forward.

💃 Protagonist 💔 Vulnerable 💪 Resilient

Giorgio

Cabiria's lover and a petty criminal who uses her for money. He pushes her into the river, steals her purse, and disappears, illustrating a pattern of deceit and exploitation. His charm masks a predatory, self-serving nature that leaves Cabiria more wary of trusting others.

💔 Betrayer 💰 Greed 🎭 Lover

Alberto Lazzari

A famous film star who seduces Cabiria with glamour and luxury. His world reveals the allure and fragility of celebrity life, interrupted by the intrusion of an ex-girlfriend. His relationship with Cabiria exposes the emptiness that can lie beneath public adoration.

✨ Celebrity 🎬 Fame 💔 Superficial

Oscar D'Onofrio

A charismatic suitor who seems sincere but is ultimately an opportunist. He encourages marriage after a short courtship, only to betray Cabiria by taking the money and abandoning her. His posture as a confidant hides predatory intent and financial manipulation.

💰 Predatory 🗣️ Charmer 💬 Deception

Wanda

Cabiria's best friend and neighbor who tries to help her move past Giorgio's betrayal. She offers support and perspective, though Cabiria sometimes resists guidance. Wanda represents loyal friendship in contrast to romantic deception.

👭 Friend 🤝 Support 💬 Advisor

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 19:23

Major Themes – Nights of Cabiria (1957)

Explore the central themes of Nights of Cabiria (1957), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Love and Exploitation

Cabiria's longing for love and stability repeatedly collides with predatory men who manipulate her for money. The narrative exposes how charm and trust can be exploited in a harsh world. Bystanders' indifference amplifies her sense of betrayal, fueling a cycle of heartbreak.

🎭 Glamour vs Reality

The allure of celebrity life and nightlife clashes with the grim realities of poverty and manipulation. The magic show episode and the keyhole moment critique spectator culture and voyeurism. The film juxtaposes public performance with private deceit, revealing the emptiness behind glamorous façades.

🌅 Resilience and Hope

Despite repeated betrayals, Cabiria endures and continues to seek belonging. The final impromptu parade around her hints at a fragile optimism and communal connection. The closing image—a single tear followed by a faint smile—signals a glimmer of renewal rather than complete deliverance.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 19:23

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Nights of Cabiria Summary

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Nights of Cabiria Summary

Nights of Cabiria Timeline

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Nights of Cabiria Timeline

More About Nights of Cabiria

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More About Nights of Cabiria

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