Une espèce de garce

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.

Sophia Loren and Barbara Nichols as best buddies ? Tab Hunter and Sophia as a couple ? You have to admit it has a ring of absurdity about it and yet not only does it work, it works quite magically in this modest, extremely winning film.

From its earliest days the movie industry plucked from obscurity those blessed with good looks, thrusting them to instant stardom. Besides their physical attributes, some had an innate ability to act, others were coached and with time learned their craft, while many simply never quite got the hang of it. Sophia Loren clearly belongs to those for whom acting came as natural as did her beauty. "That Kind of Woman" was made in the period of her first English language films. By this time she had an easy command of the language and complete command as a starring screen presence.

From his earlier films it's pretty evident that Tab Hunter did not quite possess an innate acting ability, although he certainly deserves full marks for effort. However, after seven years in the business he had acquired some skills and under Sidney Lumet's direction he delivers an excellent performance. It's nicely underplayed, combining just the right balance of strength and vulnerability. He was also in the prime of his legendary handsomeness.

The success of screen romances is largely based on chemistry. From their very first scene together, there's a surprisingly genuine chemistry between Loren and Hunter which is the very core of the story.

There's wonderful support from George Sanders, Barbara Nichols, Keenan Wynn and a terrific, young Jack Warden.

All in all, a somewhat forgotten but immensely enjoyable film.

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.

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 ****

In Lafayette Escadrille which was released in Feb 1958, French prostitute Renee Beulieu gives up streetwalking for Tab Hunter's character Thad Walker. Less than a year later, Tab again uses his charm and swoon bait smile to do the same with That Kind of Woman. Some guys get the dirty jobs, other guys don't.

It's 1944 and paratrooper Red (Tab Hunter), becomes infatuated with expensive call girl Kay (Sophia Loren) on a train. He's from a nice family but says it's none of his business what Kay does for a living "if that's what (she) WANTS to do." The plot sounds unrealistic but works due to the strong performances of the two stars.

Kay easily toys with men and is intrigued by the persistence, boyish handsomeness, and what she thinks is naivete of Red who actually sees through her contrived aloofness. Despite growing mutual attraction, Kay abruptly brushes off Red and retires for the evening. Red soon visits Kay at her train compartment where they share a brief steamy encounter. After the train arrives at it's destination the next day, Kay says goodbye and leaves. Fortunately for Red, his buddy Kelly (Jack Warden) obtains Kay's home address which allows the paratrooper to show up and profess his love for her. This time Kay more forcefully brushes him off but her misty eyes tell a different story. The remainder of the movie continues along the same vein with Kay's resistance slowly crumbling while Red continues his pursuit. Hunter plays this well especially in a key scene where his facial expression changes from disappointment into a subtle smile (almost a smirk) once his character realizes the truth. Eventually Kay has to choose between passionate love with Red or a lush life as a kept woman.

While Hunter did not have the same on-screen chemistry with Loren that he had with other actresses (Linda Darnell, Dorothy Malone or Etchika Choureau), there was enough there to make the plot believable. This movie is underrated and deserves a second look. I can't give it a 10 because most of the outdoor scenes detracted from the overall quality of the film and the musical score could have been much better. That Kind of Woman is worth watching especially if you are a fan of Loren or Hunter.