Hollywood on the Tiber.

“Bene, bene, Aldo, a slight arch of the eyebrow, I said slight…”
     The great man is making another surrealistic epic at his favorite movie lot outside Rome. Suddenly, a crash of colliding Vespas, followed by clanging armor and wolf whistles from a roving band of Roman centurions.
    “Basta, clear the set. Is this what happens when you let Americans film here?”
     The answer becomes clear when the woman in the vibrant coral-colored dress marches into sight flanked by lawyers, off to negotiate a new contract with the producers.
    “Ah, scuza, principessa, con permesso, grazie mille.”
    “Ciao, Frederico.”
     The multimillion-lira increase that will soon be announced is hailed as a thoroughly justified tribute.
     Italian Starlet Dress (No. 2216), as seen at Cinecitta in the 1950s. Sleeveless, low-calf cut of glossy cotton sateen. Wide sweep. Self belt and self-covered buttons. Big rounded notch collar, lots of abbondanza.
     Women’s sizes: 4 through 16.
     Colors: Coral, Navy.
     Price: $149.