The Barefoot Contessa DVD, 1954

Starting with a rain-drenched funeral, this moves into flashback with the torrid and scandalous tale of a movie beauty queen told from three differing perspectives by those who knew and discovered her. Mankiewicz's customarily sharp script oozes high-voltage dialogue, whilst Jack Cardiff's superb cinematography lends visual distinction to this witty expose of Hollywood morals.

Starting with a rain-drenched funeral, this moves into flashback with the torrid and scandalous tale of a movie beauty queen told from three differing perspectives by ... more >

Starting with a rain-drenched funeral, this moves into flashback with the torrid and scandalous tale of a movie beauty queen told from three differing perspectives by those who knew and discovered her. Mankiewicz's customarily sharp script oozes high-voltage dialogue, whilst Jack Cardiff's superb cinematography lends visual distinction to this witty expose of Hollywood morals, with barely disguised caricatures of big shot producers (read Howard Hughes) and the central character of the Contessa herself (Ava Gardner at her most breathlessly seductive) somewhat reminiscent of a certain Rita Hayworth. Bogart too is a standout, at his brilliant crumpled best as an alcoholic writer-director. Top notch Hollywood cynicism. CJ. < less

View all 50 of CJ’s reviews