Nobody wanted to distribute I Vitelloni, so we went around proposing rentals, and I remember some awful screenings where viewers gave me a nasty looks; I do not remember their names, and even if I do I’d better not mention them. I remember there was a 2 p.m. screening, during the summer, for the president of a large company. He came in tanned, wearing a golden bracelet, the car-salesman type that women do like (…). The film was not accepted there, but another film distribution company took it. They didn’t like the title I Vitelloni, and they proposed another title: Vagabondi!, with an exclamation mark. I said ‘okay’, but I suggested they should have the title uttered by a very strong voice on the soundtrack. They accepted the title only when Pegoraro gave them two more films that would definitely be very popular. They did not want Alberto Sordi’s name on the first posters and on the first copies of the film, and they told me: “he doesn’t attract people, he’s unpleasant, viewers don’t stand him.

The most elusive protagonist is Alberto Sordi, and Fellini wanted him badly. The comedian was performing with Wanda Osiris in Garinei and Giovannini’ variety show. Consequently, to be able to hire him the crew had to attend his shows in several cities, including Viterbo and Florence. The Carnival Ball was shot in Teatro Goldoni - unfit for use and full of mice - while a flat in Florence was used to shoot a shop selling vestments and altar furnishings.