Basically a travelogue of Rome with a light story of three women meeting, losing, then getting the men of their dreams. The photography is beautiful, the acting is OK, nice music score. Basically a no brainer movie. The prime reason to see it, for me, was Rosanno Brazzi and Louis Jourdan. They're so young and VERY handsome in this film (when Brazzi smiled my knees went weak!) that they're fun to watch. Try to see it letter-boxed--the pan and scan version shown most often on TV is terrible.

Sure, this isn't the greatest romance ever made, but it might just do the trick if you're looking for a film to watch with someone you love (or at least tolerate, a bit). The film excels in many ways, but the best aspect of the movie is the mood it evokes--through music, panoramic scenery and the mystique of both Rome and Venice. In many ways, this made it look, at times, more like a travelogue than a romance--especially with the prologue that just features music and the sites of Rome.

Now as for the plot, it's also pretty good--with a light romantic touch. The only downside is one of the three relationships just didn't seem very realistic and one other just didn't seem to be given enough screen time (Jean Peters' romance). Part of the lack of realism with Dorothy McGuire's romance was clearly because it sprang up out of nowhere, but part of the problem might be my own, since I know that Clifton Webb was gay and the idea of his marrying seemed a bit hard to believe. By far the biggest and best part was given to newcomer Maggie McNamara, and she was delightful as the conniving but nice lady bent on hooking a handsome prince (played by Louis Jordan--who, oddly, plays an Italian, not a Frenchman). Most of the plot deficiencies really seem to come from the film being about 100 minutes, when it could have worked better with at least an additional 15-30 minutes. Still, its a sweet and fun film that is well worth your time.

In Rome, Anita Hutchins (Jean Peters) picks up new arrival Maria Williams (Maggie McNamara) at the airport. She is to be Anita's replacement who is planning to go back to America. They are staying at a palatial apartment with Miss Frances (Dorothy McGuire) who is the secretary to the American author John Frederick Shadwell (Clifton Webb). The three women stop at the famous Trevi Fountain where they toss in a coin and make a wish. Anita and translator Giorgio Bianchi (Rossano Brazzi) have chemistry but company policy prevents them from dating. Maria is taken with the notorious playboy Prince Dino di Cessi (Louis Jourdan).

I don't care about the stories. I barely care about the characters although they seem fine. It's not anything to write home about. This is an amazing visual feast. Italy looks great and the wide screen embraces the vista. Forget the plot. Look at the screen. This is tourism porn. I love the many location shoots. It feels like a wonderful Italian vacation. Venice is picturesque. This is a beautiful travel show within a forgettable movie.