As Grandes Noites de Casanova

Hope was at his peak when this film was made. It has many of the same elements as his Monsieur Baucaire, a costume drama about a person above his station carrying out an impersonation, getting involved with good looking chicks, fighting comic duels, etc. Hollywood back in the late 40s and early 50s was not above recycling a hit. I love seeing these old films again with the great comedians of those times, Danny Kaye, Red Skelton and, of course, Hope. Their timing and ability to make the corniest gags work still amazes me. Also, this film has so many of the wonderful character actors that made the old studio productions such a treat. These are faces that only the most serious of trivia buffs will recognize and put the names on, but here we have Arnold Moss, Frank Puglia, John Carridine, Lon Chaney Jr., John Hoyt, Primo Carnera, Hugh Marlowe and a very young Raymond Burr. The comparisons by another reviewer with Woody Allen are interesting but, hey! Hope was first.

A good all-star cast in a very cute comedy film about, who else, the great lover Casanova! Bob Hope was as cute as can be as Pippo Popolino (aka Casanova's double). Casanova is actually played by the late great Vincent Price who was uncredited. Casanova ended up spending to much of his money and couldn't pay what he owed, so talked Pippo into taking over as himself which leads into some comical moments.

Casting is superb! Bob Hope, Raymond Burr, Vincent Price, Basil Rathbone, John Carradine & Lon Chaney are the real reasons to watch this film. Story is fun, nothing heavy here - just silly comedy. The film is eye-candy in sets and costuming with rich technicolor bringing this out!

9.5/10.

Opulent production values, colorful Technicolor, an unusually elaborate plot, and Bob Hope's deliciously anachronistic / contemporary humor (plus some racy jokes for the time - "every man has a Casanova inside him, I speak from experience!") make this one of his best films, among those I have seen so far. The usually refined Joan Fontaine gives possibly her loosest, funniest, sexiest performance; I will be seeking out more of her comedies. Sherlock Holmes.... I mean Basil Rathbone has a sizable role, and an unbilled Vincent Price is great as the "real" Casanova (an unorthodox choice). Quite an ending(s), as well. *** out of 4.

What a treat to see Bob impersonate the greatest of all lovers-Casanova. This is a wonderfully entertaining movie which keeps you amused throughout the entire film.Basil Rathbone as usual up to top form. Did he ever play anything but a scoundrel in all his movies? There are so many highlights it is difficult to choose any favorites,but the best would be at the end of the movie when Hope as Casanova is to be executed and appeals to the movie audience to spare him ,is one of the funniest scenes ever done.Next time you go to the movies take some popcorn with you and we may be able to save Bob from a fate worse than death.

Casanova has to depart due to monetary considerations. To help the merchants of the town retrieve their just due Pippo Popolino (Bob Hope) must take Casanova's place. Many people are counting on him to succeed on his new quest except for Elena Di Gambetta (Audrey Dalton) and her potential husband. Will he be able to bluff his way in and accomplish his mission or will his conscience get in its way?

We get to watch as he gets in compromising and sticky situations. You may find yourself kibitzing.

Aside from the fun Hope-type film, we get the pleasure of trying to name all the popular actors as they appear. There are more actors than names do you will have to remember where you saw them before.

Just a few: Bob Hope in Bachelor in Paradise (1961) Audrey Dalton in Kitten with a Whip (1964) Basil Rathbone in The Mark of Zorro (1940) Hugh Marlowe in The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951) John Carradine in I Escaped from the Gestapo (1943) Lon Chaney Jr. In The Wolf Man (1941) Raymond Burr in Bride of the Gorilla (1951) Oliver Blake in Giant from the Unknown (1958) Vincent Price in Laura (1944) Anthony Warde in I Escaped from the Gestapo (1943)

This will make a great addition to your Bob Hope collection.