Cast
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Humphrey Bogart
as Harry Dawes
Ava Gardner
as Maria Vargas
Edmond O'Brien
as Oscar Muldoon
Marius Goring
as Alberto Bravano
Valentina Cortese
as Eleanora Torlato-Favrini
Rossano Brazzi
as Count Vincenzo Torlato-Favrini
Elizabeth Sellars
as Jerry
Warren Stevens
as Kirk Edwards
Franco Interlenghi
as Pedro Vargas
Mari Aldon
as Myrna
Enzo Staiola
as Busboy
Bill Fraser
as J. Montague Brown
Alberto Rabagliati
as Proprietor
Maria Zanoli
as Maria's Mother
Renato Chiantoni
as Maria's Father
Crew
Director
- Joseph L. Mankiewicz
Writer
- Joseph L. Mankiewicz
Reviews
CinemaSerf
Occasionally narrated by Humphrey Bogart, he regales us with his story as the down on his luck Hollywood writer/director "Dawes" who alights on a tavern dancer in Madrid. "Maria Vargas" (Ava Gardner) is a woman with striking good looks and an aloofness that he immediately sees stardom in. Luckily his spoilt rich-kid backer "Edwards" (Warren Stevens) agrees to give her a screen test, but a combination of his own fecklessness and some competitive manoeuvring from "Dawes" creates quite an interest, an interest well fanned by PR man "Muldoon" (Edmond O'Brien). We know right from the start that she has died - we turn up at her funeral - and this film has something of a piece of musical vinyl to it. The first half side illustrates her rise to fame and fortune, her marriage and her death. Flip it over and we get a tale of just how she fell in love with "Count Torlato-Favrini" (Rossano Brazzi) and ultimately came a cropper. The constant being the increasing affection "Dawes" and "Vargas" share as their professional paths diverge and their friendship - entirely platonic - solidifies. Gardner could look quite cold sometimes on screen, but here she and Bogart exude a certain warmth through their characters, goaded nicely by the increasingly exasperating and brattish "Edwards" and also by the rather cruel and bullying "Bravano" - another solid effort from Marius Goring. It takes quite a swipe at the film industry - people obsessed with finding the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow - regardless of whether there's any gold or any rainbow, and the threads tie rather poignantly, if a little sadly, at the conclusion. It's a stylishly photographed production that looms great and showcases a strong ensemble of talent.
Jan 11, 2024
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Barefoot Contessa examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Joseph L. Mankiewicz brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1954, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Barefoot Contessa took approximately 32 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 128 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 151 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 47 unique compositions.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 3 months to complete.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1954, when this film was released:
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Barefoot Contessa shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Airport '77, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Barefoot Contessa offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Shall We Dance? and Indecent Proposal explore similar territory, The Barefoot Contessa stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 29, 1954
- Runtime: 2h 8m
Where to Watch
