Anita Ekberg, a Swedish actress and model, is best known for her iconic role in Federico Fellini’s “La Dolce Vita.” With her stunning beauty and captivating screen presence, she became one of Hollywood’s most glamorous stars in the 1950s and 1960s. This article provides a comprehensive list of Anita Ekberg’s movies, tracing her illustrious career from her early days in Hollywood to her enduring legacy as an international film icon. Whether you are a longtime fan or a new admirer, this guide offers detailed insights into her extensive filmography.
Anita Ekberg Movies List
Early Career and Breakthrough
Abbott and Costello Go to Mars (1953)
Anita Ekberg made her film debut in the comedy “Abbott and Costello Go to Mars,” where she played a Venusian guard. Although her role was small, it marked the beginning of her journey in Hollywood.
Key Details:
- Role: Venusian Guard
- Director: Charles Lamont
- Release Date: April 6, 1953
Blood Alley (1955)
In “Blood Alley,” Ekberg starred alongside John Wayne and Lauren Bacall. This adventure film helped her gain recognition in the industry.
Key Details:
- Role: Wei Ling
- Director: William A. Wellman
- Release Date: October 1, 1955
Rise to Fame
War and Peace (1956)
Anita Ekberg’s role as Hélène Kuragin in “War and Peace” brought her significant acclaim. The film, based on Leo Tolstoy’s novel, showcased her acting prowess and solidified her status as a Hollywood star.
Key Details:
- Role: Hélène Kuragin
- Director: King Vidor
- Release Date: August 21, 1956
Back from Eternity (1956)
In “Back from Eternity,” Ekberg played the role of Rena, a glamorous showgirl. The film further established her as a leading actress in Hollywood.
Key Details:
- Role: Rena
- Director: John Farrow
- Release Date: August 7, 1956
Iconic Roles
La Dolce Vita (1960)
Anita Ekberg’s most iconic role came in Federico Fellini’s “La Dolce Vita,” where she portrayed Sylvia, a Swedish-American actress. The scene of her in the Trevi Fountain remains one of the most memorable moments in cinema history.
Key Details:
- Role: Sylvia
- Director: Federico Fellini
- Release Date: February 5, 1960
Boccaccio ’70 (1962)
“Boccaccio ’70” is an anthology film featuring four segments, with Ekberg starring in the segment “The Temptation of Doctor Antonio.” Her performance as herself in a giant billboard advertisement added to her iconic image.
Key Details:
- Role: Herself
- Director: Federico Fellini
- Release Date: February 22, 1962
Later Career and International Films
4 for Texas (1963)
In “4 for Texas,” Ekberg starred alongside Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin in this western comedy. Her role as Elya added charm and glamour to the film.
Key Details:
- Role: Elya Carlson
- Director: Robert Aldrich
- Release Date: December 18, 1963
The Alphabet Murders (1965)
Anita Ekberg played Amanda in the mystery-comedy “The Alphabet Murders,” based on Agatha Christie’s novel. Her role showcased her versatility in different genres.
Key Details:
- Role: Amanda
- Director: Frank Tashlin
- Release Date: December 26, 1965
Comprehensive Movie List: From Beginning to Career End
| Year | Movie Title | Role | Director | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1953 | Abbott and Costello Go to Mars | Venusian Guard | Charles Lamont | Film debut |
| 1953 | The Mississippi Gambler | Fortune Hunter | Rudolph Maté | Early uncredited role |
| 1955 | Artists and Models | Anita | Frank Tashlin | Comedy film with Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis |
| 1955 | Blood Alley | Wei Ling | William A. Wellman | Starred alongside John Wayne |
| 1956 | War and Peace | Hélène Kuragin | King Vidor | Acclaimed adaptation of Tolstoy’s novel |
| 1956 | Back from Eternity | Rena | John Farrow | Adventure drama film |
| 1956 | Zarak | Salma | Terence Young | Adventure film |
| 1957 | Man in the Shadow | Skippy | Jack Arnold | Noir film |
| 1957 | Valerie | Valerie Horvat | Gerd Oswald | Drama film |
| 1957 | Paris Holiday | Zara Brownell | Gerd Oswald | Comedy film |
| 1957 | The Man Inside | Gina | John Gilling | British crime film |
| 1958 | Screaming Mimi | Virginia Wilson | Gerd Oswald | Psychological thriller |
| 1958 | Sheba and the Gladiator | Zenobia | Guido Brignone | Historical epic film |
| 1959 | Behind Closed Doors | Countess | Joseph M. Newman | Drama film |
| 1960 | La Dolce Vita | Sylvia | Federico Fellini | Iconic role in a classic film |
| 1961 | Leilani (Short) | Herself | John Anstey | Short film |
| 1962 | Boccaccio ’70 | Herself | Federico Fellini | Anthology film, “The Temptation of Doctor Antonio” segment |
| 1963 | Call Me Bwana | Luba | Gordon Douglas | Comedy film |
| 1963 | 4 for Texas | Elya Carlson | Robert Aldrich | Western comedy film |
| 1964 | The Mongols | Hulina | André de Toth | Historical epic |
| 1965 | The Alphabet Murders | Amanda | Frank Tashlin | Mystery-comedy film |
| 1966 | Way…Way Out | Anna | Gordon Douglas | Science fiction comedy film |
| 1967 | How I Learned to Love Women | Françoise | Luciano Salce | Comedy film |
| 1968 | Candy | The Leader | Christian Marquand | Comedy film |
| 1969 | If It’s Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium | Woman at airport | Mel Stuart | Comedy film |
| 1972 | The French Sex Murders | Madame Colette | Ferdinando Merighi | Horror film |
| 1972 | The Devil Has Seven Faces | Tania | Osvaldo Civirani | Giallo film |
| 1972 | Gold of the Amazon Women | Queen of the Women | Mark L. Lester | Adventure film |
| 1972 | Casa d’appuntamento | Francoise | Ferdinando Merighi | Horror film |
| 1972 | Il figlio dello sceicco | Beatrice | Bruno Corbucci | Comedy film |
| 1973 | Malenka, the Vampire’s Niece | Malenka | Amando de Ossorio | Horror film |
| 1974 | Redneck | Barbara | Silvio Narizzano | Crime film |
| 1976 | Safari Express | Miriam | Duccio Tessari | Adventure film |
| 1976 | The Killer Nun | Sister Gertrude | Giulio Berruti | Horror film |
| 1977 | The Cobra | La Contessa | Bernard L. Kowalski | Action film |
| 1978 | Cicciolina e il licantropo | Queen of the Wolves | Dario Piana | Horror-comedy film |
| 1980 | S+H+E: Security Hazards Expert | Unknown | Robert Michael Lewis | Action film |
| 1987 | Intervista | Herself | Federico Fellini | Cameo appearance |
| 1996 | Red Wood Pigeon | Donna Giulia | Neri Parenti | Comedy film |
| 2002 | Glorious Technicolor (Short) | Herself | Marc Wanamaker | Short documentary |
| 2011 | The Mystery of the Etruscans | Herself | Marco Sabatini | Documentary film |
Conclusion
Anita Ekberg’s journey in the film industry is a testament to her enduring talent and timeless beauty. From her early roles in Hollywood comedies to her iconic performance in “La Dolce Vita,” Ekberg’s filmography reflects a diverse and successful career. This comprehensive list of her movies showcases her versatility and the lasting impact she has made on cinema.
FAQs
What was Anita Ekberg’s first film?
Anita Ekberg made her film debut in “Abbott and Costello Go to Mars” (1953) as a Venusian guard.
Which movie made Anita Ekberg an international star?
Federico Fellini’s “La Dolce Vita” (1960) catapulted Anita Ekberg to international stardom with her iconic role as Sylvia.
Has Anita Ekberg worked in multiple film industries?
Yes, Anita Ekberg has appeared in films from various countries, including Hollywood, Italy, and France.
What is one of Anita Ekberg’s most memorable scenes?
The scene in the Trevi Fountain from “La Dolce Vita” is one of Anita Ekberg’s most memorable and iconic scenes.
Did Anita Ekberg appear in any horror films?
Yes, Anita Ekberg appeared in several horror films, including “The Killer Nun” (1976) and “Malenka, the Vampire’s Niece” (1973).
This guide provides an in-depth look at Anita Ekberg’s extensive filmography, highlighting her significant contributions to the world of cinema and her legacy as a Hollywood icon.