从1937年的《女人与海》到60年代的《甜蜜的生活》，Cinecittà是意大利真正的政治试验场。二十五年来，在墨索里尼为保障其法西斯宣传而亲自建立的电影工厂的中心，意大利电影人成功地规避了政治压迫和审查制度，在战争及其破坏中幸存下来，并直面美国的竞争。这些挑战或许意味着意大利电 影的末日，但相反，在这些困难中电影人们得到了力量，引领了一批重要的艺术运动和新的电影流派。Cinecittà成为了意大利现实社会中的特殊见证者、一面真实的镜子，特别是成为了意大利在全世界的重要使者

Cab drivers in certain parts of the world are 'walking encyclopedias'. These individuals know just about everything and can discuss whatever issue with their passengers. Such man is Pietro, or Pie, as he is fondly addressed by his family. Pie, has a heart of gold. When we first meet him he is driving a person and talking about his fortune of having a wonderful family with whom he is going to celebrate Christmas eve. His passenger has another thing in mind, he is about to rob him!
We follow Pie as he goes through his city. There is a hilarious encounter with a Texan couple that feel insulted when Pie thinks they are American stereotypes because the tourist misunderstands what he is trying to tell them. There is a meeting with a would be suicide that asks to be taken to the nearest place to the Tiber, and his attempt at saving her life.
As it happens, famous people also take taxis, as it is the case when Pie picks up Giulio Andreotti, Italy's Prime Minister, with whom he has a meaningful conversation. Pie commits the ultimate sin when he is asked to take one of Italy's famous stars to the French embassy. As he only sees her from his mirror, he thinks he is talking to Sylvia Koscina, when in reality she is none other than Silvana Pampanini! His last claim to fame comes when he is asked to drive the great Federico Fellini to Cinecitta. Insisting in sitting up front, Fellini has to endure Pie's admiration. Unknown to the driver, Fellini is going to appear in a film directed by none other than Alberto Sordi, one of the best actors of his generation.
Directed by Alberto Sordi, the film is a love statement to Rome. We are taken all over the city taking its most notable sites as Pie drives his clients. The film was probably an excuse for Mr. Sordi to show his friends and his connection to a place that was dear to him. The film is mildly funny, an excuse to spend some time with some familiar faces and Mr. Sordi, the man that gave so much joy to so many. Bravo Alberto!