It Started in Naples (1960)

A minor entry in the fabled careers of Clark Gable and Sophia Loren, It Started in Naples is slight, but enjoyable fluff. As the title indicates, the story begins in Naples, although the action takes place on the Isle of Capri. Michael (Gable in his penultimate performance) is a lawyer recently arrived from Philadelphia to put his late brother's affairs in order. The result of one of those "affairs" is a street urchin named Nando (Marietto), whose mother is also deceased. Her nightclub singer sister, Julia (Loren), is his lax, if loving caretaker. Straight-laced Michael, who is engaged, believes Nando would be better off in the States. So he takes the matter to court, where he is represented by the dapper Mario (Vittorio De Sica, who directed Loren to an Oscar in Two Women). The conclusion to this harmless bit of escapism is almost as charming as it is inevitable. --Kathleen C. Fennessy Amazon.com

Routine romantic comedy with beautiful scenery

An American lawyer (Clark Gable) comes to Naples to settle the affairs of his deceased brother, only to learn he has an eight year old nephew being raised by an aunt (Sophia Loren), a local cabaret singer. Predictably, aunt and uncle disagree on how the child should be raised, and, just as predictably, fall in love.

The film tries to portray the Neopolitans as simple fun-loving people, contrasted with the serious, stuffy American lawyer, but it does not work for me. Clark Gable was 59 when the film was released; he moves stiffly and his face seems pudgy at times, while Sophia Loren was only 26 (and quite healthy). Therein lies the problem: the story is not a May-December romance, and the aging Gable is not convincing as a romantic partner for the young and lovely Sophia.

The real attractions are the location photography of Naples and Capri, and the wonderful Sophia Loren herself. Filmed in VistaVision, the scenery is spectacular on a large screen TV -- particularly the eerily-beautiful shots of Capri's Blue Grotto. Sophia Loren effortlessly portrays: a parade queen, slovenly housekeeper, caring aunt, cabaret singer, and a woman in love -- amply demonstrating why she was a super star.

This is not a great movie, but if you enjoy romantic comedies it is a pleasant way to spend an evening. August 27, 2008

A must see for Sophia Loren fans

"It Happened in Naples" isn't great, but it's a solid product from 1960 Hollywood. It has star power, a catchy tune ("Tu Vuo Fa L'Americano") that is still being covered by new artists today, a romantic Italian setting, lots of gorgeous Technicolor, and a plot that won't strain anyone's intellect. It's certainly watchable, but it never rises to the level of magic.

Mike Hamilton (Clark Gable) is making his second trip to Naples. The first time was with the Fifth Army in 1943. Seventeen years later he has returned to settle the estate of his ne'er-do-well brother, Joe. Since Joe was perpetually low on funds, Mike anticipates a quick trip - a brief meeting with the lawyer and then back to Philadelphia. Mike is a no nonsense kind of guy.

It comes as a complete shock to Mike when the lawyer, Mario Vitale (Vittorio De Sica), informs him that his brother died in a boating accident along with his common law wife. They left behind their eight year old son, Nando (Marietto), who has been living with his material aunt, Lucia Curcio (Sophia Loren), on the island of Capri.

Rather than taking the child away from his home and the aunt he knows and loves, Mike is content to leave Nando with Lucia. He gives her money and promises that he will be sending monthly payments to help with the child's support. Everyone is happy until Uncle Mike becomes a victim of Italian timetables and misses his boat back to the mainland.

Unable to sleep, Mike wanders into the city center for a cup of coffee at 1am. To his amazement, there is little Nando passing out fliers to tourists. Fliers promoting his aunt's scantily clad nightclub act. Mike sends Nando home and goes to confront Lucia about their nephew's upbringing. Fireworks, literal and figurative, abound in the ensuing battle for custody.

Marietto is adorable as the urchin who smokes, drinks wine, hangs out in nightclubs most of the night, whistles at passing young women, and refers to himself as "one tough cookie."

Clark Gable's character displays neither his trademark charm nor humor, instead he comes across as brusque and cold for most of the film. He runs hot and cold on Sophia, and seems to have a detached interest in making sure his orphaned nephew has a proper home and education. Mike Hamilton is a difficult character to like.

Sophia Loren was an absolutely gorgeous 25 year old when this was filmed. She's equally at home cooking up huge pots of pasta and as the sexy nightclub singer with a warm heart and a fiery temper. Her musical numbers scorch the screen.

Casting the young and beautiful Sophia Loren as Gable's love interest only serves to make the 58 year-old actor look old and tired in their shared scenes. Lack of chemistry between the stars is a lead weight in this movie. The love story never really works.

The DVD video quality is quite good. The print looks restored with bright, vivid color. The soundtrack is sharp and clear. There are no bonus or special features on the disc - only scene selection and optional English subtitles.

3 stars. A recommended purchase for Sophia's fans; everyone else should rent it.
July 5, 2008

It Started in Naples

Three movie greats, Gable, Loren and Vittorio De Sica in a charmingly old fashioned romantic comedy set in the beautiful scenery of the island of Capri.
June 2, 2008

A Great Classic

A timeless story of love for a beautiful woman, an endearing child and a place of unsurpassed charm--Capri, Italy. The acting is superb as is the photography which captures the color, the people and their way of life to perfection; and the music is equally enjoyable. After watching this brilliant comedy you will want to go there--and stay! October 24, 2007

It Started in Naples

This movie is a gem! If you have been to Italy, you will love it!
Clark Gable is a perfect co-star for Sophia Loren. I have loved her since
I was 16. The woman was and is not only gorgeous, she knows how to
expose raw emotions. This is a perfect comedy because she seems to have
so much fun with the part and makes us want to laugh along. Her laughter
is infectious. When she needs to be dramatic, as in the more intimate scenes with Clark Gable, she exposes her real feeling. Among her great movies-HOUSEBOAT; BLACK ORCHID; TWO WOMEN; SUNFLOWER (a beautiful
movie with music by Henry Mancini); MARRIAGE ITALIAN STYLE; YESTERDAY,
TODAY, AND TOMORROW. One of her scenes in SUNFLOWER is heartbreaking.Her dramas are as equally as good as her comedies. IT STARTED IN NAPLES
also stars a little boy named Marietto Paolo Carlini, whom I assume is
Italian also. I have never seen him since. His performance is touching
and will make you laugh and cry. The chemistry among these actors is
wonderful! If you like comedies, you will like this. The best thing
is that Amazon has all of Sophia Loren's greatest films. July 21, 2007

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