The Barefoot Contessa
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Movie Reviews of The Barefoot Contessa
Movie Review: Wonderful rags to riches to ruin tale - Eva Gardner at her best
Summary: 4 Stars
Bogie may have gotten first billing on this movie, but don't be misled, this is Eva Gardner's film. The story starts in Madrid where Bogie plays a film writer who is at a nightclub with two movie executives looking for new talent. They heard about this beautiful and talented singer/dancer and want to get a look for themselves. The singer, played by Gardner, stuns all three and they want to sign her to a long term contract. She could become the next big Hollywood star. Gardner's character comes from modest means, but after a few fits and starts, she becomes one of the most celebrated and admired stars in Hollywood. All of this stardom has not brought her happiness. She eventually falls in love with an Italian count whom she marries, but this marriage is eventually her downfall and she dies tragically. Bogie was her one true friend and soulmate who really understands her, even if they are never romantically involved. This film is her life's tale seen largely through Bogie's eyes.
Eva Gardner is the real star of this film. She was given (or chose to play in) very few good films during her career, but this is one of her best. Gardner was, in my opinion, a great actress who is rarely given credit for her acting ability because she played in a large number of second rate stories. In this film she plays the role of the beautiful but unhappy celebrity to a tee. Perhaps she wasn't acting in this role? Beyond Gardner though, there is a lot to like about this film. Bogie plays the controlled, worldly, screen writer who won't be swayed by the lies and hypocrisy of the Hollywood execs and the uber-rich. Throw in some beautiful cinematography, a well crafted story, and solid, believable performances by actors in the secondary roles, and you have a great film.
Movie Review: glorious love story
Summary: 4 Stars
THE BAREFOOT CONTESSA is a glorious, rich tapestry of backstage Hollywood. Starring a stellar cast headed by Humphrey Bogart and the divine Ava Gardner, it is a ravishing delight.Maria Vargas (Ava Gardner - SHOW BOAT, EARTHQUAKE) is a young dancer from Spain who is plucked from obscurity and taken to Hollywood to star in films. Her kind director Harry Dawes (Humphrey Bogart - THE BIG SLEEP, KEY LARGO) sees big things in her future, but Maria remains aloof and mysterious, both on the screen and off.
Maria's story is told in flashback from various viewpoints; a very effective tool in the telling of this rather predictable tale. Director/writer Joseph L. Mankiewicz weaves a colorful yet subtle portrait of a woman torn between two worlds.
The film also stars Marius Goring (THE RED SHOES), Rossano Brazzi (SOUTH PACIFIC, LITTLE WOMEN), Elizabeth Sellars, Bessie Love, Edmond O'Brien and Warren Stevens.
The DVD has a well-rendered fullscreen version of the film as well as the trailer. (Single-sided, dual-layer disc).
Movie Review: Unusual but Fascinating
Summary: 4 Stars
I find this a most unusual film but really interesting. I like the way that we see incidents from the eyes of the different characters and the slant that this puts on the story.
Ava Gardener looked beautiful as she always did but she did the worst `Spanish Dance` that I have ever seen. Just waving arms and sliding round in the dust! She captivated Rossano Brazzi but not, I think for her dancing. He made a good impression as the impotent count she married. Gorgeous to look at but a tortured man who did not tell her this until their wedding night.
A grizzled Humphhrey Bogart was the film maker who made her famous as an actress and Edmund O`Brien was the publicist. He won a best supporting actor for his role.
Not, I suspect, a film for the masses, but entertaining nevertheless.
Movie Review: A very strange twisted fairytale
Summary: 4 Stars
When a Spanish Gypsy dancer becomes a Hollywood queen,
the wolves come out of the woodwork.
When her mother is killed by her father in self-defense
the whole story of her life of poverty comes out.
It is the South American rich man who changes everything for
the actress and her director friend.
It is what happens after she meets her prince charming that makes this an anti-Cinderella fairytale.
I missed this when it came out and never saw it play on TV.
The acting, plot, setting and costumes are all very good.
I actually liked this movie with the strange ending.
Movie Review: Ava
Summary: 4 Stars
There will be other Monroes, Madonnas, Hepburns, etc. There will only ever be 1 Ava Gardner. She was "everywoman" with amazing sex appeal and kindness. She never forgot she was a small town girl who got lucky.