The Barefoot Contessa (1954)

A director turns a barefoot cabaret dancer into a star who suffers a tragic end.
Genre: Feature Film-Drama
Rating: NR
Release Date: 30-JUL-2002
Media Type: DVD Product Description

OVER THE TOP

Usual Hollywood formula - rich boy finds poor but beautiful and talented girl, rich boy marries girl, beautiful and talented girl discovers that
rich husband has nothing working below the belt, rich boy finds wife and stable boy in barn together- and shoots them both... July 15, 2008

Not Much Better Than Beat The Devil

I have always been a big fan of boggies, but some of his films were just plain bad, this is one of them. a real pot-boiler of a soap opera that will leave you saying .... so what ? March 22, 2008

JOSEPH L. MANKIEWICZ, OPUS 13

***** 1954. Written and directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz. Academy award and Golden Globe earned by Edmond O'Brien. Huge and incredibly intelligent movie featuring an idealistic Spanish dancer lost in Hollywood. Humphrey Bogart impersonates a Mankiewicz's clone having trouble with his producer. Every line of the screenplay being meaningful, THE BAREFOOT CONTESSA is a film to be seen several times to be appreciated to its full extent. Masterpiece. January 25, 2008

Wonderful rags to riches to ruin tale - Eva Gardner at her best

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. November 12, 2007

Hollywood Show Business

It is a rainy day at the cemetery where Maria D'Amata is being interred. There is a statue marking her grave. Harry reminisces about her beginnings as a dancer in Spain. A rich heir was visiting Spain to look for a new face. Kirk Edwards is proud and arrogant. We learn a little about show business. [There is some unconscious humor here.] Harry must persuade Maria to do a screen test for Kirk. Maria tells Harry about herself and her life. Maria's screen test was successful, and she went to Hollywood. Maria's successful film was followed by a scandal in her family. She testified at the murder trial.

There is more humor in the talk from a rich South American playboy. Oscar explains public relations. Maria is unhappy in her life, in spite of three hit movies. There is a discussion on personal philosophy. Then an argument between the two rich men. Unexpected results follow. The film shows the International set at Cannes. Does money buy happiness? [If you know where to shop.] Maria meets a count, her future husband. [The film seems to be padded to extend the story.] Cinderella meets her Prince at an opportune time. The Torlata-Fabrini family goes back centuries, to the era of Cesare Borgia. Will the line die out? [More talk pads out this film.] They are married in church. But Maria gets a surprise on her honeymoon [Can a woman who dances in a gypsy camp be so naive?]. "Will life louse up the script?" This subject is handled with subtlety. There are always unforeseen reactions when dealing with human nature and its emotions. Will Maria's happiness depart as quickly as it arrived? [Will you be happy when this film finally ends?]

What does this film say about Hollywood and its fantasies? Did they have to go abroad to tell about the business of filmed entertainment? This is a love story about a poor girl who gets involved with a rich man. Don't expect them to live happily ever after.
Ava Gardner does not dance in this film.
August 20, 2007

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