Warner. Director Delmer Daves; Producer Delmer Daves; Screenplay Delmer Daves; Camera Oswald Morris; Editor Bert Bates; Music Mischa Spoliansky; Art Director Carmen Dillon
Maureen O'Hara
Rossano Brazzi
Richard Todd
Phyllis Calvert
Olivia Hussey
Maxine Audley
The Battle of the Villa Fiorita is a beautifully-photographed and well-mounted Delmer Daves production which falls short artistically by switching gears.
Daves' script (from Rumer Godden's novel) propels Maureen O'Hara into affair with Italian composer Rossano Brazzi when latter attends English tunefest during one of hubby Richard Todd's frequent absences from home. The lovers hie to Italian villa and set up housekeeping before her divorce action jells.
At this point concept shifts to attempts by her kids (Martin Stephens and Elizabeth Dear) to break it up, joined later by Brazzi's moppet, Olivia Hussey. Idea is played for laffs, from juves' trek from England through hunger strikes, faked illness and other gambits.
O'Hara looks appropriately shook up but script does not permit much acting. Brazzi projects very well as lover, father and foil. Phyllis Calvert is on for seconds as gossipy English lady.
(Color) Widescreen. Extract of a review from 1965. Running time: 111 MIN.
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