I had never heard of this film before it was broadcast on television, I very rarely see classic films for the first time, unless it sounds good or has a good cast, I decided for once to make an exception (although I recognised one name in the cast), I just went by the fact that it was rated well by critics, directed by Jean Negulesco (How to Marry a Millionaire). Basically, three American women: Miss Frances (Dorothy McGuire), Anita Hutchins (Jean Peters) and Maria Williams (Maggie McNamara) share a spacious apartment together and work in Rome, Italy. Frances is the long-time secretary of successful American author John Frederick Shadwell (Clifton Webb), and Maria and Anita are secretaries for the "United States Distribution Agency". One day, on their way into town, the three women stop at the famous Trevi Fountain, where according to legend, if a coin is thrown in the fountain and a wish is made, it may come true. Maria and Frances throw in their coins, but Anita, who is planning to return to the United States to marry, declines. As time goes by, Frances, Anita and Maria find their wishes are answered, but each experience a few bumps in their journeys to find love. Frances has been in love with Frederick for fifteen years, but his reclusive nature is something of a hindrance. Anita is attracted to Italian translator Giorgio Bianchi (Rossano Brazzi), but he is poor, and she is worried she will ruin his chances of becoming a lawyer. Maria is attracted by the handsome Prince Dino di Cessi (Louis Jourdan), despite being warned that he is a womaniser. Not wanting to disappoint him, Maria decides to research into things he enjoys, including his favourite wine and opera, but she admits keeping a notebook about these, he is angered and leaves without contacting her some time. In the end, after numerous events, Frances, Anita and Maria are brought back together at the Trevi Fountain, they are disappointed to see it is empty for cleaning. But soon the water springs up again, the three women are thrilled by its beauty. At that moment, Dino, Giorgio and Shadwell arrive at the fountain. The men embrace their girlfriends, and they happily admire the fountain, which has proved lucky after all. Also starring Howard St. John as Mr. Burgoyne, Kathryn Givney as Mrs. Burgoyne and Cathleen Nesbitt as Principessa. McGuire, McNamara and Peters are all beautiful and their individual characters are interesting in own rights, Webb and Brazzi are likeable as well, but Jourdan is the most charming eligible bachelor. The love story McGuire and Webb is alright, the bonding between Peters and Brazzi is fine, but to be honest, the romance storyline I was paying most attention to was McNamara and Jourdan. It is a very simple story, three women finding and trying to work out romance "when in Rome", it is supposed to be funny as well, I don't know if I laughed very much, but it doesn't matter, it is a sweet romantic comedy. It won the Oscar for Best Cinematography, Color, and Best Original Song for the great title song, performed by an uncredited Frank Sinatra, and it was nominated for Best Picture. Good!
Review of Three Coins in the Fountain
