Sous les mers d'Afrique

Africa sotto i mari is a film that follows the intriguing story of Barbara, the rebellious daughter of an industrial magnate, who is forcibly taken on a scientific expedition in the Red Sea. This film positions itself as a rare blend of fiction and documentary, using the stunning backdrop of the Red Sea not just as a setting, but as the heart of a romantic comedy infused with adventure.

The plot is undeniably simple and at times predictable, serving more as an excuse to showcase the vibrant new star, Sophia Loren. Loren, in her role as Barbara, shines with charisma and energy that significantly elevate the material. Her on-screen presence is, without a doubt, the highlight of the movie, marking the beginning of her ascent to fame.

This film not only represents one of Sophia Loren's first significant appearances in cinema but also played a crucial role in launching her career.

This was the first starring role of the newly renamed Sophia Loren and she was, allegedly, unhappy with the change after working hard to succeed as Sofia Lazzaro. Legend insists that her future husband – Carlo Ponti – was responsible for the change, but it seems more likely that it was the producer of this film, Goffredo Lombardo, who followed the fashion of anglicising her first name and used a variation on the surname of Swedish actress Märta Torén with whom he had worked. The film's plot would not achieve many points for originality: A rich father (Umberto Melnati) lends his yacht to some scientists for an expedition to the Red Sea on condition that they take his rebellious daughter (Loren) along with them. She eventually gets herself into a dangerous situation underwater from which the expedition leader (Steve Barclay) has to save her. The result is somewhat short of surprising. It is, however, fascinating, to see the young Loren accept the mantle and responsibility of being the star of the film with such ease (much of the publicity consisted of distributing photos of a bikini-wearing Loren), which led to much better reviews for her than the film itself received. For a dedicated fan of Sophia Loren, it is probably worth seeking out; for anyone else, it is no different to a lot of other 'B'films of the time.