Come September

Rock Hudson and Gina Lollabrigida star in "Come September," a 1961 comedy beautifully photographed to showcase the glorious scenery of Portafino, Italy, and the exquisiteness of Gina Lollabrigida, a knockout if there ever was one. Haven't seen her lately, but 25 years later, she was every bit as gorgeous.

Hudson plays a millionaire who comes to Italy to spend time in his villa each September. This year, he arrives early, looking forward to a dalliance with Lollobrigida as well. But she's through with him and planning to marry someone else - until she hears his voice.

When Hudson arrives at his fabulous villa, he discovers that his major domo (expertly played by Walter Slezak) has, for the last six years, been turning his place into a hotel. There is a bus load of young girls staying there with their chaperone, who slips on a champagne cork and is put out of commission. Thus, the girls can't leave and Hudson feels compelled to chaperone them.

When Lollobrigida hears the advice he's giving the young women to keep them out of the clutches of some young men who have arrived with reservations - she's not happy. The young men figure Hudson is too old to compete with them so they try exhausting him, hoping to get some time alone with the women.

Though this comedy sags in the middle, it's a cute story and the cast is delightful, including Sandra Dee and Bobby Darrin, who sings the title song and also "Multiplication" at a night club. A great talent, his is a sad story of a gifted song stylist who didn't live to mine his full potential. It is during this film that he met his future wife, Dee.

Hudson is handsome and fit and again shows his ability for comedy, and Lollabrigida gives an energetic, sexy performance. Their dance together in the nightclub is a high point.

One of the posters mentioned that Hudson's films today are diminished because of his now-known sexual preference. I submit this is ridiculous. Straight people have played gay people for years, and vice versa. The fact that we may not be aware of it doesn't make it any less true.

Hudson plays a straight man in this, and he's effective. When did it become a mandate that actors could only play themselves? It's not called acting for nothing.

Come September contains few surprises in that it's a light comedy that represents its time (1961). You get the expected romantic complications, misunderstandings, scheming, and a suitable resolution. No drama here; you know how it will all turn out. But that's okay. When you watch a comedy like Come September, you would be disappointed if it didn't follow formula.

Come September has a few things to recommend it. All the actors do a fine job. Rock Hudson is the focus of the film and he holds it together. Gina Lollabrigida is sexy and funny; she plays her part with spirit.

In addition, the scenery--shot along the Italian Riviera--is beautiful. The villa where the story unfolds is perfect as the vacation home of a rich American businessman.

To top it off, in what other film do you get a joke about a drunken parakeet?

This Universal International film was a vehicle for Rock Hudson who showed an uncanny gift for comedy. As such, "Come September" is a product of the times in which it was made. That was the time when Hollywood had an advantage in using natural beautiful European scenery which was affordable then. Robert Mulligan directed this comedy that although pleasant didn't fare as well as other, better made comedies, of that era.

Probably one of the best scenes in the movie involves Rock Hudson dancing a fast number with Gina Lollobrigida, something probably no one could have expected for an actor not associated with musical comedies. Mr. Hudson, an actor not known for his dancing abilities, comes across as having the time of his life. The chemistry between the actor and Gina Lollobrigida saves the movie because the story is thin.

Also in the movies we see Sandra Dee and Bobby Darin, who later became a couple. Walter Slezak and Brenda DeBanzie, both veterans actors, also appear in the movie. A very young Joel Grey has a small part.

The Ligurian region of Italy is shown in all its splendor. Great views of Portofino can be seen from the top of the Talbot mansion. The film is mildly entertaining if one doesn't expect too much out of the material.

Beautiful locations, beautiful people, beautiful cinematography and glossy direction, combine with a pedestrian script to create a satisfactory viewing experience.

Rock is Rock, and Gina is Gina, and the two manage to spice up an extremely predictable storyline. The dialogue adheres closely to basic early 60s comedy requirements. Cute and polite sexuality is tossed into a situation driven by confusion that could easily be avoided if characters would simply ask the logical questions.

Darren and Dee surprisingly have little chemistry, considering this is the film that began their real-life relationship.

Minor complaint.......the final shot telegraphed its conclusion the minute the happy couple drove up to the villa. I said to myself, there are going to be ________ at the table, and sure enough, I was correct.

The casting of the college kids is bland, I suppose in order not to overshadow Darren and Dee.

I don't know what other people have said about this movie, but if they said anything bad, they need to be shot. The casting is perfect and the acting is great. It has Gina Lollobrigida which is a definite plus to any movie. Rock Hudson pulls off his character with perfection. The story line is one of the best of all romantic comedies. I heartily recommend the movie to all.