Five men, the not-so-young sons of middle-class parents, linger in a postadolescent limbo, dreaming of adventure and escape from their small coastal town. Perpetually unemployed, they waste their lives away by spending their families’ money on drink, women, and nights at the pool hall.

Vital viewing for Scorsese fans, given its profound influence on Mean Streets, I vitelloni was Fellini’s first great film—some might even say his greatest. Restless in the tender languor of summer’s end, five vain, immature youths dream of escape in this coming-of-age classic from a cinematic titan.