In 1967, so great was the fame of Italian ballerina Carla Fracci, that the RAI television dedicated an evening to her with a ‘musical’ – Scarpette Rosa (Pink Shoes).

What is extraordinary is the presence of so many Italian stars who had no trouble in playing second fiddle to this young dancer. From the legendary pop singer Mina to opera singer Giuseppe di Stefano, from grand actors such as Tino Carraro and Lina Volonghi to comedy geniuses Walter Chiari and Franca Valeri, all were content to give cameo perfromances alongside the petite Milanese Fracci.

The result is something of a hotchpotch, but enjoyable nevertheless, with the chance to see Carla Fracci in version Mary Quant! From disco to The Sleeping Beauty she shows a versatility which was rare during the period, and reminds us why she is a great star.

Scapette Rosa – a Rai Trade DVD