Sure, this isn't the greatest romance ever made, but it might just do the trick if you're looking for a film to watch with someone you love (or at least tolerate, a bit). The film excels in many ways, but the best aspect of the movie is the mood it evokes--through music, panoramic scenery and the mystique of both Rome and Venice. In many ways, this made it look, at times, more like a travelogue than a romance--especially with the prologue that just features music and the sites of Rome.
Now as for the plot, it's also pretty good--with a light romantic touch. The only downside is one of the three relationships just didn't seem very realistic and one other just didn't seem to be given enough screen time (Jean Peters' romance). Part of the lack of realism with Dorothy McGuire's romance was clearly because it sprang up out of nowhere, but part of the problem might be my own, since I know that Clifton Webb was gay and the idea of his marrying seemed a bit hard to believe. By far the biggest and best part was given to newcomer Maggie McNamara, and she was delightful as the conniving but nice lady bent on hooking a handsome prince (played by Louis Jordan--who, oddly, plays an Italian, not a Frenchman). Most of the plot deficiencies really seem to come from the film being about 100 minutes, when it could have worked better with at least an additional 15-30 minutes. Still, its a sweet and fun film that is well worth your time.
Now as for the plot, it's also pretty good--with a light romantic touch. The only downside is one of the three relationships just didn't seem very realistic and one other just didn't seem to be given enough screen time (Jean Peters' romance). Part of the lack of realism with Dorothy McGuire's romance was clearly because it sprang up out of nowhere, but part of the problem might be my own, since I know that Clifton Webb was gay and the idea of his marrying seemed a bit hard to believe. By far the biggest and best part was given to newcomer Maggie McNamara, and she was delightful as the conniving but nice lady bent on hooking a handsome prince (played by Louis Jordan--who, oddly, plays an Italian, not a Frenchman). Most of the plot deficiencies really seem to come from the film being about 100 minutes, when it could have worked better with at least an additional 15-30 minutes. Still, its a sweet and fun film that is well worth your time.