So etwas von Frau

Did anyone notice the Tab Hunter character's casual attitude toward mild violence directed at the Sophia Loren character? Probably not, since this sort of thing was so standard in 1950s films (more so than in the 1930s or 1940s) that most people simply don't notice it. This is just one of the elements that make this film a travesty IMO.

It's hard to watch a film set in 1944 when everyone (especially the women) have hair, make-up and clothing directly from 1959 when the film was made. Its drives me crazy because I find it hard to get a sense of the time when it looks completely different than it's supposed to be. Barbara Nichols is absolutely excellent in her role however and Tab Hunter is hot. Sophia is very good and quite comfortable in working in English by this, her fourth film to be made in the US. It's just too bad that no one cared to make films look historically accurate especially when hair, make-up and costume greats read a script that says the action takes place in a certain era yet choose to ignore such an important element. I think a lot of it also had to do with the star wanting to look perfect for that time without a care to the script.

Reworking of 1938's "The Shopworn Angel", based on a short story by Robert Lowry, has Sophia Loren playing former Italian immigrant, now beautiful American citizen in 1944 traveling from Miami to New York City by train to be with her millionaire lover; a soldier with the U.S. Airborne Division meets and falls in love with her, even though he understands she's a "kept woman". Essentially, Loren must choose between love and money, though with green, self-conscious Tab Hunter as her new beau, her predicament seems based more on infatuation. Hunter, a veteran of several pictures by this point, has no temperament on screen (and director Sidney Lumet allows him no personality, either). Even when he angrily slaps something out of Sophia's hand, Hunter is still benign as a Boy Scout, with an overly-alert stare and no mannerisms, no depth. Loren comes off a bit better, and actually saves a few scenes in the beginning when Lumet awkwardly introduces us to the characters, yet the movie has no drive and no soul. It comes and goes painlessly, but leaves not a trace of passion. ** from ****

I just watched That Kind of Woman on TCM. I'm generally not into old movies, but this one seemed very interesting and it proved to be more than that. It is definitely not your typical love story, of which I am also not usually fond. The dialogue in the script blew me away. Walter Bernstein must have taken great pains to write this screenplay. I definitely want to read the story on which it was based.

The host on TCM said that this movie never became very popular despite the fame of Sophia Loren and Tab Hunter, and I can see why. It's comment on the society of that time was probably not highly regarded by the movie critics and people of influence during that era. I, however, thoroughly enjoyed the social criticism found in the plot, and the acting was phenomenal. Jack Warden and Barbara Nichols stole the show in my opinion. I am definitely going to check out more movies by Sidney Lumet, as well as, writings by Robert Lowry. If you're the kind of person who enjoys discovering a diamond in the rough, you will love this movie.

Outstanding 50s love story. I saw this film about 30 years ago as part of a double feature at the Cameo Theater (now the Crowbar nightclub) on Washington Avenue and 14th Street, South Beach. Tab Hunter is at his prime. Tall, well-built, handsome, and blond; the All-American boy. Playing a paratrooper named Red, he and his Sergeant (Jack Warden in his typical outstanding performance) meet two women on a train. Sophia Loren and Barbara Nicolas are the "ladies of the night", with whom they all found love in the big city. If you like Tab Hunter, and want to see the lovely and shapely Sophia, this film is a must-see. A rainy night delight. 10 out of 10.