Two Nights with Cleopatra (1964)

Sophia Loren is in early bloom in this 1954 comedy, which was released years later (bluntly dubbed) in the U.S. to capitalize on her international success. Sophia plays two roles: Cleopatra, of course, and Cleopatra's double, a slave girl who spends a night impersonating the queen of Egypt. Mugging through this double act is Alberto Sordi, as a visiting Roman bewitched by the queen's lookalike. Rubber-faced Sordi, an enormous star in Italy for decades, looked like a cross between Sid Caesar and Gene Wilder, and his antic personality was given a long leash. One's enjoyment of this brand of Italian comedy depends on a taste for this kind of busy slapstick, a tradition upheld in Italy by Roberto Benigni. The silliness is certainly unpretentious, and at 78 minutes it really can't wear out its welcome. And the 20-year-old Loren looks like she's ready to conquer Egypt, if not the world. --Robert Horton Amazon.com

Amusing Italian Sex Comedy, But Very Poor Quality Unrestored DVD

This is a mildly amusing Italian farce, best known today for the scene showing Sophia Loren taking a nude swim (this clip is all over the Internet). However, the quality of this DVD is really disgraceful. It has not been restored at all, so colors are badly faded and there is dirt everywhere. Furthermore, the DVD is dubbed in English, rather than being available in Italian with English language subtitles.

Hopefully some day a properly restored DVD in Italian with subtitles will be available. November 17, 2008

Never seen Sophia Loren so sexy

This comedy is definitely a "Loren vehicle". The camera does not neglect ANY of her unbelievable features, with plenty of close-ups, and her equally unbelievable figure clad in the most provocative regal costumes. The difference between the Loren-Cleopatra (seductive femme-fatale) and the sweet, scared blond girl she plays is striking, and she appears in both roles on the same frame.

I'm a Loren fan and I had to have this early performance of hers dripping sensuality. She would have made a much more impressive Cleopatra than Elizabeth Taylor. April 1, 2007

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