32 of 33 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Tu Vuo Fa L'Italiano!, August 13, 2005
This charming little romantic comedy directed by Melville Shavelson is one of the brightest spots in Sophia Loren's early Hollywood films. He wisely used Sophia's comic talents which were often wasted by American directors. Having worked with her in another early gem, "Houseboat" with Cary Grant, Shavelson was aware of what would make Sophia shine and here he showcases all of her many ample charms.
The DVD is presented in a sharp and glittering print of the wonderful cinematography of Robert Surtees. One of the great camera men who's credits include 1962's "Mutiny On The Bounty", "Quo Vadis", "Raintree County", and "The Last Picture Show". He captures breathtaking shots of cramped and teaming Naples and the expansive sunny vistas of Capri. In his hands this beautiful part of Italy becomes a lovely widescreen postcard that beckons the viewer into the story.
The score by Alessandro Cicognini (Indiscretion of an American Wife) and Carlo Savina is pure Italian gold and fits the comic proceedings perfectly. And the addition of the song Tu Vuo Fa L'Americano in Sophia's club act is marvelous. This popular Italian song of the 1950's resurfaced effectively in "The Talented Mr. Ripley". It is fun to see how Sophia interprets the song for the tourists on Capri.
Clark Gable, cast as stodgy American Michael Hamilton is gruff and funny as he first battles and then falls for Sophia. He has many standout scenes with her and with child actor, Marietto. In particular is the scene where he and Sophia mix killer drinks for each other at the bar.
Marietto as Sophia's nephew Nando is a little comic whirlwind. He is wonderful in his naturalness in his scenes with Loren. A skinny ball of ingenuity and energy he is particularly funny when he is trying to get his way with both Loren and Gable.
The great Italian director Vittorio De Sica nearly runs off with the cameras, set and crew in his performance as Sophia's lawyer. He works so well with her, and why not, he was her director in "Gold of Naples", "Two Women" and the wonderful "Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow." His speech in the courtroom scene is a standout.
All this wonderful talent surrounds Sophia Loren in what is really her show. She is pure magic as Lucia Curcio, a woman of passionate love of life and family. She dominates the picture as well she should because it is her talent as an actress and her incredible beauty that brought her to this point in her career. Her comedic turns and use of Italian gestures turn this into a joyous romp for both her and the audience.
After viewing "It Started In Naples" you may find yourself singing. Tu Vuo Fa L'Italiano.
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
40 years later..., October 29, 2001
...and Capri looks the same! I visited Capri in May 2001, as part of a Southern Italy trip, and fell in love with the place. Just recently saw this film, and could not believe how little things have changed. It's all there...the chair lift, the funicular, the Blue Grotto, the vitality and the stunning natural beauty. Clark looks like a geezer next to Sophia, unfortunately (I longed to see Cary Grant in this role!), but Sophia shines. Of course, the true star of this film is Capri itself.
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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
It started in Naples, January 4, 2001
A Kid's Review
This is my favorite movie with Sofia. She is at her most beautiful and this is her most charming role. I am a huge fan and I believe there will never be anyone as sensual with an accent that can actually sing, act and capture everyones attention the way she did in this movie. The young boy Nando is also charming and captures the essence of Italian childhood in that time. I recomend this movie as a must see for anyone who was ever attracted to Sofia and Italy. The scenery is enchanting and the story is beautiful. See this movie and you'll want to go visit Italy.
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