La Strada (1954)

A best foreign picture Oscar for Federico Fellini for one of his most intimate films, more involving and to me more memorable than his more celebrated pictures like "8 1/2" or "La Dolce Vita".  Giulietta Masina (his wife) plays a slightly simple-minded waif who has been sold to the brutish Anthony Quinn to assist with his touring strong man act.  She brings such naive charm and amazement to all that she encounters that one can't help but recall the best silent comedians; she also expresses deep hurt and loss at Quinn's philandering and indifference.  Only after he has abandoned her does he in turn realise what he has lost.  A very simple story beautifully told.