Product Details

• Actors: Clark Gable, Sophia Loren, Vittorio De Sica, Marietto, Paolo Carlini
• Directors: Melville Shavelson
• Writers: Melville Shavelson, Jack Rose, Jack Davies, Michael Pertwee, Suso Cecchi D'Amico
• Producers: Jack Rose
• Format: Closed-captioned, Color, NTSC
• Language: English, Italian
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Paramount
• VHS Release Date: July 9, 1991
• Run Time: 100 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6302054095
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #122,708 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

A minor entry in the fabled careers of Clark Gable and Sophia Loren, It Started in Naples is slight, but enjoyable fluff. As the title indicates, the story begins in Naples, although the action takes place on the Isle of Capri. Michael (Gable in his penultimate performance) is a lawyer recently arrived from Philadelphia to put his late brother's affairs in order. The result of one of those "affairs" is a street urchin named Nando (Marietto), whose mother is also deceased. Her nightclub singer sister, Julia (Loren), is his lax, if loving caretaker. Straight-laced Michael, who is engaged, believes Nando would be better off in the States. So he takes the matter to court, where he is represented by the dapper Mario (Vittorio De Sica, who directed Loren to an Oscar in Two Women). The conclusion to this harmless bit of escapism is almost as charming as it is inevitable. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tu Vuo Fa L'Italiano!, August 13, 2005

By 

Michael C. Smith "[e-mail]" (San Francisco, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: It Started in Naples (DVD)

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.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars 40 years later..., October 29, 2001

By 

Stephanie L. Poe (Washington, DC United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: It Started in Naples [VHS] (VHS Tape)

...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.

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 review is from: It Started in Naples [VHS] (VHS Tape)

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.