I miss the spontaneous feel of "Roman Holiday" in this movie, it's far more calculated in the characters' approach to romance. On the other hand, there's lots of great scenery (Venice rarely looks this good) and Italian culture here that...
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I miss the spontaneous feel of "Roman Holiday" in this movie, it's far more calculated in the characters' approach to romance. On the other hand, there's lots of great scenery (Venice rarely looks this good) and Italian culture here that sets a solid scenario.

Maria and Anita are just too predatory for me, both pretend to be something they are not in the name of snaring a man. This does lend for some good humor, I especially like the idea of Maria's father (who runs a roadside tourist trap in the States) being billed as an "art curator".

There is a bit of "sophisticated American women" vs. "irresistable Italian men" vibe going on, but the drama is all built on the women giving up and resorting to sympathy. The final "coin", Miss Frances and the man she loves actually takes away from the dynamics. There's more to the "magic" of Italy than this.