In 1961 , Cardinale portrayed a sultry nightclub singer and young mother in Valerio Zurlini 's '' Girl with a Suitcase '' . As a result of her own experience of early motherhood , Cardinale naturally conveyed the concerns of a teenaged mother , identifying fully with the character of Aida . Such was her psychological involvement that she needed several months to overcome her apprehensions and prepare for the part . Zurlini chose her for such a difficult role against everyone 's advice , as she was not yet considered a " real " actress , nor was she ( yet ) one of the most celebrated Italian beauties . However , he was very close and supportive of Cardinale during the production , and a true friendship developed between the two , based on a deep mutual understanding . Cardinale remarked : " Zurlini was one of those who really love women : he had an almost feminine sensitivity . He could understand me at a glance . He taught me everything , without ever making demands on me . ... He was really very fond of me . " Cardinale was warmly praised by the critics for her performance in '' Girl with a Suitcase '' , Dennis Schwartz considering her to have been at her " charming best " . Later in 1961 , Cardinale starred as a brothel owner opposite Jean-Paul Belmondo in Bolognini 's '' La Viaccia '' . Both '' Girl with a Suitcase '' and '' La Viaccia '' were presented at the 1961 Cannes Film Festival . At the time , Cardinale was not considered comparable to the two divas of Italian cinema , Sophia Loren and Gina Lollobrigida , but several newspapers and magazines including '' Paris Match '' began to consider her to be a credible young rival to Brigitte Bardot . Cardinale 's 1961 appearances also included Henri Verneuil 's French comedy '' Les Lions sont lâchés '' , and '' Auguste '' in which she had a cameo role
1961 Cannes Film Festival
1961 Cannes Film Festival
Claudia Cardinale