Noites de Amor, Dias de Confusão

A delightful and heartwarming film that has stood up remarkably well when compared to other comedies of the 1960's. Both Gina Lollobrigida and Shelley Winters give good performances far outclassing the remainder of the cast. Phil Silvers is quite funny and Telly Savalas touching. In my opinion, the only cast member not up to the task is Peter Lawford - as boring as he usually is in any film in which he appears. It is odd that MGM/United Artist have not released the film on DVD, I'm sure that there are many people who would like to add it to their DVD collection. I have read that there are calls for the film to be remade but I don't think that it would work in today's arena. The film was right for its time but that time has now past and I feel that it's better to enjoy the film as it stands rather than try to remake it with a contemporary theme.

Absurd but fun little comedy enlivened by Gina's feisty performance in the lead.

The supporting cast is sprinkled with quality performers all giving good performances, even the usually obnoxious Silvers comes across well, but this is Gina's show and she carries the film easily. Most of the supporting players are simple types that the actors manage to flesh out the best they can. Telly Savalas and Lee Grant take theirs one step further and create a believably troubled couple who have spent so many years battling they fail to realize that what they both want is the same thing. On the surface they seem mismatched but because of subtle playing they expand the character beyond what was on the page.

Back to Gina, under the direction of the competent Melvin Frank, whom had guided her through Strange Bedfellows previously, she has a fine comic sensibility never betraying any doubt that the preposterous situation she finds herself in doesn't make perfect sense. And boy is she a stunner!

Full to the brim with beautiful scenery shot in glorious Technicolor, marred only by obvious but probably necessary process shots while Gina is driving, you'll want to jump a plane to Italy at the film's conclusion.

A potential seamy subject that could have devolved into crassness is handled with the proper light touch making this a genial farce and terrific showcase for Miss Lollobrigida.

One of the best comedies ever made, full of comic details, non-stop hilarity, one of those rare movies that can be seen again and again and it gets better every time. A comedy that doesn't insult human dignity or intellect, full of interesting characters and vignettes, and a lot of emotion too. Not surprisingly, the acting is fabulous when the writing is good. Everyone gives a memorable performance. It doesn't get any better than this. Funniest lines: "In the Piazza", "Doesn't do windows", "Campbell is a noble name". "Is mom going to sing?" "Grazie, grazie very much". "A few Berlitz lessons, and...". "So many of you left a little something here". Lolobgrigida, Winters and Savalas are priceless. The tune by Ortolani fits the movie perfectly. I first saw it in 1969, then in 1983. After so many years it doesn't get stale. That's what I call a classic.

Don't pay any attention to the bad reviews on here (few as they are) this movie must be watched and appreciated for what it is, farce. The stellar cast turn in great performances and the writing is still very funny. This is the film which inspired the musical stage play "Mama Mia" as well as the film. But the two stories are completely different. Now out on DVD, remastered and in wide screen for the first time ever, this is a must see on a big screen TV. The video and sound transfer is amazing, clear, crisp picture and sound. Filmed on location in Italy this was no low budget film. Is it realistic, no, its not suppose to be, just sit back and enjoy it!

I just saw a trailer for a new 2008 film called MUMMA MIA starring Meryl Streep in the Gina Lollobrigida role! Another remake!

Well this original from 1968 is a very funny film, and I guess, an extension of the 'caper comedy' style so popular in the mid-60s. I haven't seen the famous multi paneled trailer (sounds very Mad Mad Mad World) but we are in the cine-world of other adult level all star 'wacky marital mix-ups' with phrase titles like DIVORCE American STYLE, WHAT A WAY TO GO, NOT WITH MY WIFE YOU DON'T, BOY DID I GET A WRONG NUMBER etc, each the American idea of farce: yelling and door slamming. However, unlike some of those mentioned above MRS CAMPBELL is genuinely hilarious. In fact today would still make a good play, if it wasn't one already. I believe however it was an original screenplay by Melvin Frank who had already excelled with many 40s and 50s comedies and in the early 60s with LI'L ABNER and later with A TOUCH OF CLASS in '73. I clearly remember sitting in a large suburban cinema with a very entertained crowd roaring with laughter and marveling at how gorgeous Lollobrigida was then. Lee Grant as always is superb as someone's wife and moaning Shelley Winters is a great foil even for comedy against Phl Silvers and Telly Savalas. Even the horrible presence of bland and pointless Peter Lawford cannot spoil the clever comedy storyline of this uproarious well written heartfelt comedy. The charming and catchy theme song still plays in my head. Forgotten by 1970 and much unappreciated today, MRS CAMPBELL is by far the best of late 60s all star marriage farces and deserves a big new century DVD release. It makes you realize how these 60s films really knew how to entertain. It also makes one realize how far Holllywood has strayed from what worked. No wonder adults don't bother with going to the cinema much in 2005. However, even if this film was remade today with 2005 swearing and punching it would still be funny, such is the solid script and good story. Try and find this film and settle in for a great experience.