When Johnny Mathis sings the opening theme to this film, you know you're in for a treat. Mathis does not let you down.
Anna Magnani is brought to America by her new husband, played memorably by Anthony Quinn. It seems that Quinn was married to Magnani's sister Rosa. Rosa wrote Magnani of the wonderful life she had with him.
Unfortunately, Rosa dies.This is a tragedy for Magnani because she falls into a marriage from hell with Quinn. Things go from bad to worse. Magnani, in a fine performance, screams that Rosa is dead!
Naturally, Anthony Franciosa, as a cowhand on the ranch, really makes things interesting. Franciosa merited a supporting nomination here. Ironically, he was vying with Quinn for the best actor Oscar that year.Franciosa was up for "A Hatful of Rain."
Quinn and Magnani were Oscar nominated for their strong powerful performances. It was wonderful seeing Magnani sing in her native Italian. Subtitles should have been in the film at the beginning since only Italian was spoken. Magnani delivers the same type of energy that she displayed in "Rose Tattoo." Quinn appears in the same gripping way as he did in his powerhouse performance in "La Strada" 3 years before. The woman who played Magnani's sister-in-law looked similar to Ida Kaminska. I wasn't surprised to see that she was also born in Poland. The earthy Magnani does not disappoint here.
A must see film to see how this situation can be resolved and a marriage salvaged.
Anna Magnani is brought to America by her new husband, played memorably by Anthony Quinn. It seems that Quinn was married to Magnani's sister Rosa. Rosa wrote Magnani of the wonderful life she had with him.
Unfortunately, Rosa dies.This is a tragedy for Magnani because she falls into a marriage from hell with Quinn. Things go from bad to worse. Magnani, in a fine performance, screams that Rosa is dead!
Naturally, Anthony Franciosa, as a cowhand on the ranch, really makes things interesting. Franciosa merited a supporting nomination here. Ironically, he was vying with Quinn for the best actor Oscar that year.Franciosa was up for "A Hatful of Rain."
Quinn and Magnani were Oscar nominated for their strong powerful performances. It was wonderful seeing Magnani sing in her native Italian. Subtitles should have been in the film at the beginning since only Italian was spoken. Magnani delivers the same type of energy that she displayed in "Rose Tattoo." Quinn appears in the same gripping way as he did in his powerhouse performance in "La Strada" 3 years before. The woman who played Magnani's sister-in-law looked similar to Ida Kaminska. I wasn't surprised to see that she was also born in Poland. The earthy Magnani does not disappoint here.
A must see film to see how this situation can be resolved and a marriage salvaged.