O Preço de um Prazer

Natalie Wood and Steve McQueen are at the pinnacle of their acting talent in this b-w gem from the early 1960's. Two very different people - Rocky Papasano and Angie Rossini - re-unite after a one night stand that results in a pregnancy. How they resolve this crisis is the story of this movie. Along the way, there is drama and a lot of fun. Much of the movie was shot on location in New York City's Lower East Side. There is one particularly gripping scene involving a back-alley abortionist that stands out in this film. The two young people come from Italian immigrant families who provide great entertainment as a backdrop to the love story. In the course of the movie, Angie, who was under the thumb of her domineering family, came into her own and took on a new-found confidence. Rocky's support and love helped her bloom into a wonderful and mature young woman. There were two hysterical dinner scenes, breaking the tense atmosphere of this dramatic coming of age film. Tom Bosley, in his pre-TV days, is the man considered by the family as an acceptable husband for Angie. He is very funny as the good-natured clutz trying to woo her. Other than that, the two great stars, who both died too young, have left their fans with a great love story; also directed by Robert Mulligan.

This has always been one of my absolute favorite movies! Steve McQueen and Natalie Wood were perfectly suited for each other. She played brave Angie Rossini wonderfully - trying so hard to break away from her protective Italian-American family, trying to be strong and capable in the face of such a difficult situation, trying not to show how scared she really is.

But Steve McQueen is the real sweet part of this couple. He is corrupt and funny and unsuspectedly tender and responsible and caring. It should be noted for the fact that it marked his departure from the anti-hero roles that he specialized in (and excelled in). This wasn't an action movie but it was one of Steve's absolute best performances. She was nominated for an Academy Award and deservedly so but he was overlooked and that is criminal!

Can you tell that I love this movie?? Well, I do!

Lovely chemistry between superstars Wood and McQueen make this Robert Mulligan a pure charmer. McQueen sheds his tough guy image to play both romance and even a little comedy as well. Oscar nominee Wood matured beautifully into the role of Angie, the girl who finds she's going to have a baby and it's McQueen's! There is a fine performance from Tom Bosley, in his first major role as a clumsy fellow who tries to win Wood's heart. The conclusion to this film is lovely and full of hope for all young lovers out there. A Must see!!!

Watching this film today, it's easy to forget how daring it was for its day (1963) -focusing on an illegal abortion.

It's also an fascinating mix of conventional romantic comedy mixed with real grit and passion - and the fact it starts off as unconventional as possible; girl meets boy, girl gets pregnant, girl and boy try to organise an abortion - and THEN girl and boy fall in love.

Natalie Wood was often miscast throughout her career - her dark beauty was used to try and pull of Nat as Hispanic, Nat as half-black, Nat as Mexican. In this film she's cast as Italian, and pulls it off perfectly. This could possibly be her greatest performance (alongside Splendor in the Grass and The Cracker Factory). She received an Academy Award nomination for this film. She gives such a natural performance (usually she's more self-conscious on film) - she is such a joy to watch and absolutely stunning.

Steve McQueen is at his most charming - usually he is playing the hero of an action film, so its great to see him display tenderness. Wood and McQueen have such great chemistry, its a shame this was their only film together.

Added to the mega-watt performances is the beautiful black and white cinematography and the NYC location shooting. A great film. Completely underrated.

This movie is heightened by the fact that Natalie Wood and Steve McQueen are the stars. They have enough acting talent and chemistry together to make it work. The subject matter probably made this controversial in the sixties but the movie doesn't seem old in a stupid way. The supporting cast is good too - Hershel Bernardi, especially, as Natalie's overly-possessive brother.