Cabiria (Giulietta Masina) is a prostitute - protecting herself whilst eking out an existence in the gutters of Rome. She is also a painted caricature (not unlike Chaplin's little tramp - sporting an umbrella instead of bamboo cane). She exhibits wild emotions and waif like tantrums. She is seeking something...  perhaps an inner meaning to her existence. She cries in church but is confused why. She happens into a performance of a hypnotist, and is reluctantly persuaded onstage. In the film's most unusual scene she is put “under” resulting in an embodiment of her true self . Through this miraculous transition are we able to gaze through the hard shell and determine that underneath she is but a child survivor. Her trance helps reveal her trusting nature, innocence and sweetness. Her naiveté deludes her into believing a man will complete her deeply personal inquiry that she is oblivious to comprehending. Regardless of how often life has let her down, she bounces back - she is loveable and our empathy actually becomes the films enduring message - as compassionate as any cinema I have ever seen. Days after your first viewing of Nights of Cabiria - you will repeatedly think of her. Your concern for her will feel quite real.