Fantômes à l'italienne

Based on a play by the eminent Eduardo De Filippo, this old-fashioned but agreeable mix of haunted house thrills and comedy of errors is tailor-made for the talents of its two international stars - Sophia Loren and Vittorio Gassman (who particularly shines); incidentally, this constituted their only teaming following their stardom (having also made 3 other films together during the early 50s). Still, the film also treats several social issues like poverty, suicide, adultery and prostitution - but it's all done with a decidedly light touch.

The supporting cast is equally well chosen: Mario Adorf (as the head of an institution/order of nuns where Loren used to work and who still loves her, while being mistaken by Gassman as the house ghost!), Aldo Giuffre' (as the opportunistic caretaker of the haunted building) and Margaret Lee (as a Fellini-esquire hooker, abused but ever-optimistic, who also lodges at the house). The film also features a good score by the always reliable Luis Enrique Bacalov.

While no classic, the gags and lines are pretty consistent; the last joke even involves an uncredited cameo by Marcello Mastroianni!

Sophia Loren and gaunt, wide-eyed Vittorio Gassman play a destitute married couple whose luck seems to change when Gassman is offered free room and board in an empty, dusty mansion which supposedly houses a ghost. He doesn't tell his wife the history of the spooky place, and she doesn't tell him about a smitten former lover of hers who has moved into an upstairs room, hoping to steal her from her husband. Marital mix-up offers comic misunderstandings, some funny moments, and several beautiful shots of La Loren (although her auburn hair seems to get darker as the film progresses). The half-English/half-dubbed look of the picture is pretty shoddy, and the entire third act (which skips ahead in time, defying all logic and credulity) is nearly crippled by Gassman's over-acting (the biggest mystery is why Sophia married him in the first place). Still, there's a cute in-joke in the final tag, and enough modest laughs throughout to keep the silly circumstances lurching along. **1/2 from ****

I recently saw this film on Turner Classic Movies. I was surprised to see that even though 37 years have passed, the film still is humorous. I have to admit, the idea is quite far fetched, but Sophia Loren and Vittorio Gassman do a fine job as the happy, (unhappy) couple. One comment stated that this is an "unfunny" comedy. This is the type of film where one must separate themselves from reality. Remember that this is a movie: made with the sole purpose of entertaining the viewer. Ponti, (Sophia's husband) made some excellent, but sadly forgotten little gems, that hopefully will be brought to wider attention in years to follow. This is a good film to see as a double feature, with (1972) "Lady Liberty", a sort of forgotten Sophia Loren film. I am surprised that MGM/UA has not released this film in a letter-boxed format on DVD. Watch for a quick cameo by Marcello Mastroanni.

Newlyweds Sophia Loren and Vittorio Gassman are struggling to make ends meet after he loses his job. When offered a 17th century mansion rent free, the husband quickly accepts. The catch is that it's supposedly haunted. They move in and soon the husband starts noticing a lot of strange things going on, such as money mysteriously appearing. He chalks this up to ghosts. In reality, it's his wife's wealthy admirer, who is providing for her without the husband's knowledge in hopes she will sleep with him. Later a hooker moves in and the wife believes the husband has become a pimp. It gets even stupider after that.

What a mess. It aspires to be a screwball comedy but this is pretty unfunny stuff. The leads try hard, and Sophia's certainly always nice to look at, but it's just a misfire from start to finish. Avoid unless you're a huge Sophia Loren fan.

Maria and Pasquale (33 year old Loren and Gassman) are newlyweds, and live in a haunted house. Pasquale is a tone deaf singer, and bad luck follows him everywhere. Maria has an old friend, a guardian angel, who helps them. And wants Maria. A fun, silly storyline... in return for living in the castle, they must make it look very active and occupied. For some reaon. A madcap caper! From what I can tell, it was filmed in Rome, so some actors are speaking english, while the natives speak italian. The Turner Classic version is all dubbed in english. Co-stars Mario Adorf. Some fun, silly situations. All story driven. Pretty good. And Sophia Loren! Directed by Renato Castellani. Nominated for a Bafta for the 1955 version of Romeo and Juliet. Distributed by MGM in the US and England. Based on a play by Eduardo De Filippo.