Typed letter signed from the important Italian filmmaker to opera and film director, artist and designer Beni Montresor. 1 p., Rome, January 18, 1986. Fellini expresses his approval for Montresor's idea of adapting his 1954 film La Strada into a musical or opera, and advises him on how to proceed. Large vertical tear through the center of the sheet, repaired on the verso with masking tape, with some toning. Some notes on the verso. Overall in good condition. 7.75 x 11 inches (19.5 x 28.2 cm).

Translated from the Italian, in part: "Dear Beni, I am always in agreement about the project of a musical or opera based on "La Strada," but also a little tired of hearing it proposed not only by you, but also by others who seem to be interested in bringing it about in an unrealistic and confused way. I would be very happy if it were you who occupied yourself with it. Have your producers get in touch with me, and watch the disc and the video of the ballet, then go to Silvia Blancheart, a cousin of Nino Rota who can give you all the information. Then also get in touch with Gianfranco Angelucci, a young director who filmed the ballet on behalf of a Swiss company [...] I alone can give the authorization for the literary rights to my subject and to the screenplay, naturally on certain conditions; the love and the enthusiasm that you show for the project is, among the conditions that I will place, the most important one..."

In 1969, an unsuccessful musical version of Fellini's iconic film opened on Broadway, but closed after only one performance. No opera or musical version of La Strada came to fruition under Montresor's direction.