Vashirdfel
Simply A Masterpiece
Senteur
As somebody who had not heard any of this before, it became a curious phenomenon to sit and watch a film and slowly have the realities begin to click into place.
AshUnow
This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.
JohnHowardReid
Producer: Sol C. Siegel. Copyright 20 May 1954 by 20th Century-Fox Film Corporation. New York opening at the Roxy: 20 May 1954. U.S. release: 20 May 1954. U.K. release: September 1954. London opening at the Carlton. Australian release: 23 December 1954. Sydney opening at the Regent. 9,156 feet. 102 minutes. SYNOPSIS: Three American office girls find love while working in Rome.NOTES: Negulesco re-made the movie in 1964 as "The Pleasure Seekers", starring Ann-Margret, Carol Lynley, Pamela Tiffin, Gene Tierney and Tony Franciosa.Number ten in the annual survey of American film critics conducted by "The Film Daily".Second only to "The Robe" as Fox's top money-maker of the 1953-54 season. Initial domestic gross exceeded $10 million.COMMENT: It's good news when critics and moviegoers all agree. "Three Coins in the Fountain" is a most delightful film. Former painter, Jean Negulesco, rates as one of the few directors who instinctively knew how to crowd the CinemaScope screen artistically, yet with dramatic effectiveness. Negulesco and Krasner really fill up their whole canvas with dazzling views. The Italian countryside, plus a quick diversion to Venice, are seen to advantage, as well, of course, as Rome itself. There's even a short but ingratiating travelogue sequence preceding the main titles. And as for the titles themselves, their charm is enlivened by the voice-over of Frank Sinatra singing the haunting title tune.Although top-billed, Clifton Webb does not have the largest role, but is nonetheless handed some wonderfully waspish lines by screenwriter John Patrick: "Punctuality is the vice of virtuous women." (Patrick has also expertly papered over one or two plot holes stemming from the original novel).Most of the action centers on Maggie McNamara, here slightly unsure of herself (or perhaps miscast) despite her smash success in "The Moon Is Blue". Fortunately, the other players, led by charismatic Jean Peters, warm-hearted Dorothy McGuire, robust Rossano Brazzi and charming Louis Jourdan, more than take up the slack.A terrific crowd-pleaser in its time, "Three Coins in the Fountain" has lost none of its appeal today.
wes-connors
Three well-mannered American secretaries seek husbands in Rome. Arriving last is Maggie McNamara (as Maria), who is set to replace Jean Peters (as Anita), who rooms with Dorothy McGuire (as Frances). Their respective romantic interests are prince Louis Jourdan (as Dino), translator Rossano Brazzi (as Georgio) and writer Clifton Webb (as Shadwell). The most striking part of this bland picture is the wide-screen color photography by Milton Krasner. It opens with Frank Sinatra singing the title song. Written by Jule Styne and lyricist Sammy Cahn, "Three Coins in the Fountain" became a million-selling #1 hit for The Four Aces (featuring Al Alberts); it was rare for another version to outperform an original Sinatra title song. According to the lyrics, only one romantic wish will be granted. That may not be entirely accurate. Also, although only two of the women throw coins in the Trevi Fountain, we can be fairly certain a third coin joined them at some point.***** Three Coins in the Fountain (5/20/54) Jean Negulesco ~ Maggie McNamara, Jean Peters, Dorothy McGuire, Louis Jourdan
vincentlynch-moonoi
I hadn't seen this film since 1962 when it was on NBC's "Saturday Night At The Movies"...51 years ago! What surprised me most in re-seeing it is that there really isn't one star of the film...it's very much an ensemble cast.And, it's a darned good cast. You've got Clifton Webb as an American author living in Rome, who has a relationship he doesn't even realize with his secretary -- Dorothy McGuire. Then you have Jean Peters as one of the coin tossers. That famous French actor Louis Jourdan plays an Italian prince (yes, I know...I guess they couldn't find a real Italian). And Rossano Brazzi -- an Italian -- as an Italian who works for the American government. And then there's Maggie McNamara -- who may remind you just a little bit of Audrey Hepburn -- as another American coin tosser.I always liked Clifton Webb, and he's very good here, although this is not his finest film. Dorothy McGuire almost steals the show. Jean Peters is very good, as is Louis Jourdan. Rossano Brazzi is good here, although he is somewhat shortchanged by his screen time. Maggie McNamara is very good, and I'm surprised she didn't become a bigger star. And as the song asks -- which one will the fountain bless? Lest you think this is one of those movies where it's all one big happy ending...well, one major character is unexpectedly dying. So, the fountain doesn't bless everyone in this film, although for most of the main players, it does lead them to happiness.The script isn't a somewhat typical romance, and it's pretty pleasant. The extensive photography of Rome and Italy is absolutely stunning, and its worth watching the film for that alone. And you get a sense of the happy-go-lucky nature of Italy back in the day. The story line will hold your attention, although it's nothing unique. And, there is the (oddly uncredited) Frank Sinatra singing the title song. This is definitely worth a watch...at least once.
val-mainwood
Lighten up, boys and girls! You must allow the director to display irony and fun in a feel-good movie in Rome not long after the fall of fascism! And how exotic it must have appeared to most of the world's population who at that time had not travelled abroad.It does make you wonder how those secretaries could afford those glamorous clothes, and be so close to princes and movers and shakers of post-war Rome. Perhaps a gentle poke at role reversal?One of the best tunes ever written, wonderful locations, and I don't care a damn about the Trevi fountain behaving inconsistently - that is the nature of fountains, and in Rome they are all drenched in magic!
