The emotion was too much for Loren, above, who at the age of 71 was still resplendent
dressed in a white trouser suit.
"I have never forgotten my roots," she said between sobs, even
though she acknowledged that she had spent much of her glittering career abroad.
An exhibition in her honour was opened at the Victor Emmanuel Monument in Rome,
which houses the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and memorials to Garibaldi. Loren
is the only Italian other than the 19th-century patriot to have an exhibition
devoted to her at the monument.
The display includes letters, film scripts, costumes, prizes, jewels, photos,
portraits and film posters illustrating her rise from skinny girlhood near
Naples to international star.Also on show are her collection of hats and dresses
designed for her by Giorgio Armani. The actress once said "a woman's
dress should serve its purpose without obstructing the view".
