Rome Adventure

source: Rome Adventure

Trailer—Rome Adventure

Rome Adventure

An old fashioned love story which I've been waiting for years to come to television again. The music is wonderful and I could watch the scene in the dimly lit restaurant when "Al di la" begins to plays all night long... it's just so romantic.

Yes, I agree that Suzanne Pleshette and Troy Donahue are not exactly Katherine Hepburn and Lawrence Olivier in this film, but their "chemistry," a beautiful Italian setting, glorious fashion and the overall romantic "intrigue" more than make up for that. In the early 1960's, Troy Donahue was the ultimate in "eye candy" for us teenage girls (and older women, too, I'm sure). I have thought for years that I was surely the only 13-year old girl who sat in a darkened theater so TOTALLY "transported" for several hours by the romance in this film, but apparently I was not. I listen to an "oldies" radio station in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area and I cannot believe how MANY times other listeners request that the incredibly romantic "Al Di La" from the dimly-lit-romantic-restaurant-scene be played. Hooray for a day when sex was something seriously contemplated and not something graphically displayed like today!

Gorgeous locations and unbelievable hair lend interest to this soap opera. Everyone is incredibly young and beautiful. Suzanne is as usual the best thing in the film. Two enjoyable performances stand out: the first thanks to Constance Ford, a brassy delight as the book store owner where Suzie works. Her blunt but cheery presence adds immeasurably to the pleasure of the picture. The other notable work comes from Angie Dickinson as a vixenish hoochie with an ice cold cash register of a heart and amazing wardrobe. Troy Donahue however is a block of wood who throws the whole movie off. Ignore him and enjoy the absolutely breathtaking scenery at every turn. You'll be booking passage by the time the picture is done.

If one must concede to one escapist impulse in movie romance, this is the one. For guys, a fantasy come true in the person of not one but two very desirable 'babes' played by Suzanne Pleshette and Angie Dickinson at their pulchritude best. For gals, Troy Donahue playing a good-looking hunk complete with just the right amount of sensitivity, vulnerability, erudition and passion. Mix the 3 in that Italian landscape and bowl of civilization with the right supporting cast and that wonderful theme song 'Al di la' and you have the surefire delight not seen since Three Coins in the Fountain and Roman Holiday. I wish this was in DVD.

It is a travel log of a sort but that's because most people in 1962 did not get to see much of the world outside of the US so they actually enjoyed the scenery. It was refreshing to see a movie where two people actually attempt to be discreet in front of other people about their possible sexual activity. Not even considering morality, it just shows a little taste. That part may be considered old-fashioned by some, but the problem Prudence is wrestling with is one relevant today. She does want to be a grown, sensual adult but she doesn't want to go down the road that will lead to cynicism. How can you be sure how far to commit yourself, because if you make too many wrong choices, it really does become like "shaking hands" and what fun is that?

A wonderful romantic movie that in my view is highly underrated. While this is by no means a great film, it is hard to find much better if you're in the mood for pure romantic escapism. Pleshette, Dickinson, and of course Donahue are a feast for the eyes. The sets are gorgeous, particularly Angie Dickinson's place. To wear those clothes they wore and have a chic little dinner in an apartment like that we can only fantasize about in this day and age. The scenery of Italy takes back seat to nothing in this film but for my money the greatest scene is at the romantic little restaurant when the singer sings "Al di La". Folks, buy it or rent it because you will never see this type of movie on the big screen anymore.

Beautiful college librarian Suzanne Pleshette (as Prudence Bell) quits her job after officials scold her for dispensing a naughty book on love (read "sex"). She decides to cool her heels in Italy. Not a bad choice of locale. In Rome, Ms. Pleshette meets doughy cute Troy Donahue (as Don Porter). The Technicolor twosome have the expected "Rome Adventure". But, Mr. Donahue's attractive girlfriend Angie Dickinson (as Lyda Kent) gets in the way. And, Pleshette also attracts native Italian charmer Rossano Brazzi (as Roberto Orlandi) and shyly insecure Hampton Fancher (as Albert Stillwell). Romantic in any language, Emilio Pericoli's "Al Di La" became a big top ten hit in 1962. The film's music and Italian scenery are its strengths. **** Rome Adventure (3/15/62) Delmer Daves ~ Suzanne Pleshette, Troy Donahue, Angie Dickinson, Rossano Brazzi