 |
| Italians got a break from a steady stream of bad news about terrorism and taxes September 20, 2004 to be reminded that screen siren Sophia Loren had turned 70. (Reuters) |
Italians got a break from a steady stream of bad news about terrorism and taxes, to be reminded that screensirenSophia Loren had turned 70. That's right, 70!
Thedivawho started life as an illegitimate child in southern Italy went on to win an Oscar and became a living legend and a symbol of post-war Italy. She is believed to be celebrating the birthday quietly with her family.
But Italians will get to see her acting talents on Monday night with the screening of a made-for-television film about an immigrant family set in Umbria and Canada. Corriere della Sera newspaper put the birthday on its front page, as if to remind Italians that some of the Dolce Vita, or sweet life, was left in a world dominated by bad news.
Italy's largest mainstream newspaper said it all: "Happy Birthday, Sophia - legend for a generation." In fact, for Italians, Loren's birthday is not just an ordinary anniversary or commemoration but abittersweetreminder that the post-war boom times she epitomised at the height of her fame no longer exist.
The fact that Corriere used only her first name was not casual. She is the only woman in Italy who is universally known by her first name. When someone says Sophia on television, it can only mean "La Loren." Loren hasoutlivedmany of her film contemporaries from the days when Rome was known as the Hollywood on the Tiber because it was a major production centre andmagnetfor thejet set.
(Agencies)
|
Updated: 2004-09-23 10:50
