Customer Reviews

It Started in Naples

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

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.

...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.

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.

I have seen this movie time and time again over the years and it always still leaves me with sigh! The scenery, songs, actors, and the inevitable love story are both beautiful and timeless. I have always enjoyed movies with Sophia Loren and Clark Gable and this one is among my favorites. Comic one-liners, mixed with song and dance on the beautiful island of Capri. How can two people not find love! Pop some popcorn, get comfortable on your sofa and settle down with this movie. I'm sure you will not be disappointed.

I agree with a previous reviewer - this movie is exclusively for ones who love Italy , all things Italian, and especially Southern Italy and also enjoy watching great Italian stars - Vittorio De Sica is also there as a lawyer.
A great comedy, with nice irony of American boorishness but happily ending in them (Clark Gable as an American) understanding being wrong. Clark Gable has an alcohol problem at the time of shooting the movie and it shows. I've always thought he in his role is excessively old for Sophia there, they could have found someone younger. Nevertheless, the film is a pure delight, with aforementioned disclaimers. I classify it as entertainment, not art, but it's a first-class comedy.

I lived in Naples for 2 years and just returned to the States 3 months ago -- I want to go back! This movie is perfect if you're "home" sick or planning a trip to Italy. It's funny how NOTHING has changed in Naples since this movie. It is still a vital, gorgeous and amazing city. And Ms. Loren is gorgeous, as always!

I am so glad to find this on DVD, because my VHS is getting worn out from all the times I watch this! It's one of those movies that puts a smile on your face. I go to Italy almost every year and it amazes me how much of the same comical misunderstanding between our 2 cultures still exists, although fortunately no one takes it very seriously. Yes, Clark Gable was too old to be very convincing as a romatic lead opposite gorgeous Sophia Loren, but he still does the self-important, workaholic "ugly American" role perfectly with great comic results, although he is still upstaged by the adorable Marietto & the great director Vittorio DeSica, a great comic actor in his own right. Of course, they are all upstaged by the island of Capri, shown off by that vibrant 1950s cinematographic style. All in all, a good inter-cultural lesson wrapped up in a thoroughly enjoyable romantic comedy.

Yet another charming romantic comedy with Sophia Loren, this time paired with Clark Gable. Gable plays a stuffy Bostonian lawyer, in Naples to meet the young son of his dead brother. He quickly forms an attachment to little Nando (played winningly by Marietto) however his Aunt Lucia (Loren) refuses to let him take the child back to the States. As you might expect however, the charm of Capri soon works it's magic and the pair find love in the final reel.

Sunny funny romance. This is probably one of Sophia's best pictures of the time. As Lucia, a stunning uninhibited cabaret star, she gets to show off her seldom-utilised musical skills performing several numbers including "(You Wanna Be) Americano". Though Loren and Gable are somewhat lacking in the chemistry department, the movie as a whole is lovely. The DVD edition of the film offers a pristine 16:9 transfer.

The magnetic screen team of Clark Gable (1901-1960) and Sophia Loren (1934- ) strikes romantic sparks in this comedy romp set amid the beautiful city of Naples (Napoli) and the Isle of Capri . Gable portrays stuffy Philadelphia attorney Michael Hamilton , who must travel to Italy to wrap up the estate of his deceased , philandering brother . Not onlyis he taken aback by the noisy and spontaneous capri nightlife , he is further shocked to discover that his late brother has left a living ,breathing legacy -in the form of Nando (Marietta Angeletti 1951- ), a rebellious ,
Cigarette smoking 10-year-old son ! And it isnt long before Nando Caught in a custody tug-of-war between the visiting American and his fiery guardian aunt (loren) , a nightclub singer who dreams of becoming a movie star .It Started in Naples...but will it end in love ! With Gable ,Loren and Vittoria De Sica (1894-1974) in the cast and Romantic italy as a backdrop , the end results is sure to be sexy,sunny fun ! .Made on Place in Italy , breataking outdore scenes . Transer in Ultra-Resolution : Razor sharp pictures and marvelous color . Recommended higly !

"It Happened in Naples" isn't great, but it's a solid product from 1960 Hollywood. It has star power, a catchy tune ("Tu Vuo Fa L'Americano") that is still being covered by new artists today, a romantic Italian setting, lots of gorgeous Technicolor, and a plot that won't strain anyone's intellect. It's certainly watchable, but it never rises to the level of magic.

Mike Hamilton (Clark Gable) is making his second trip to Naples. The first time was with the Fifth Army in 1943. Seventeen years later he has returned to settle the estate of his ne'er-do-well brother, Joe. Since Joe was perpetually low on funds, Mike anticipates a quick trip - a brief meeting with the lawyer and then back to Philadelphia. Mike is a no nonsense kind of guy.

It comes as a complete shock to Mike when the lawyer, Mario Vitale (Vittorio De Sica), informs him that his brother died in a boating accident along with his common law wife. They left behind their eight year old son, Nando (Marietto), who has been living with his maternal aunt, Lucia Curcio (Sophia Loren), on the island of Capri.

Rather than taking the child away from his home and the aunt he knows and loves, Mike is content to leave Nando with Lucia. He gives her money and promises that he will be sending monthly payments to help with the child's support. Everyone is happy until Uncle Mike becomes a victim of Italian timetables and misses his boat back to the mainland.

Unable to sleep, Mike wanders into the city center for a cup of coffee at 1am. To his amazement, there is little Nando passing out fliers to tourists. Fliers promoting his aunt's scantily clad nightclub act. Mike sends Nando home and goes to confront Lucia about their nephew's upbringing. Fireworks, literal and figurative, abound in the ensuing battle for custody.

Marietto is adorable as the urchin who smokes, drinks wine, hangs out in nightclubs most of the night, whistles at passing young women, and refers to himself as "one tough cookie."

Clark Gable's character displays neither his trademark charm nor humor, instead he comes across as brusque and cold for most of the film. He runs hot and cold on Sophia, and seems to have a detached interest in making sure his orphaned nephew has a proper home and education. Mike Hamilton is a difficult character to like.

Sophia Loren was an absolutely gorgeous 25 year old when this was filmed. She's equally at home cooking up huge pots of pasta and as the sexy nightclub singer with a warm heart and a fiery temper. Her musical numbers scorch the screen.

Casting the young and beautiful Sophia Loren as Gable's love interest only serves to make the 58 year-old actor look old and tired in their shared scenes. Lack of chemistry between the stars is a lead weight in this movie. The love story never really works.

The DVD video quality is quite good. The print looks restored with bright, vivid color. The soundtrack is sharp and clear. There are no bonus or special features on the disc - only scene selection and optional English subtitles.

3 stars. A recommended purchase for Sophia's fans; everyone else should rent it.