Main Cast: Marlene Dietrich, Vittorio De Sica, Arthur O'Connell, Natalie Trundy, Jane Rose
Release Year: 1957
Country: US/IT
Run Time: 99 minutes
Plot
Marlene Dietrich and Vittorio De Sica grace this comical yet dramatic Italian tale of a tumultuous love affair between two compulsive gamblers who meet in Monte Carlo. Though both are down on their luck, they dress affluently and that is what attracts them to each other. Romantic sparks fly until they learn the truth about each other. This leads Dietrich to begin an affair with a rich American widower. His teenage daughter falls for De Sica but he feels himself too old for her and rejects her. Eventually Dietrich and the American decide to marry, but before the wedding takes place, De Sica has a major winning streak. But being an addict, he does not know when to stop and begins losing again. Fortunately, his valet intervenes by knocking him unconscious. Later, when he awakens, De Sica vows that he will never gamble again and prepares to go home to his native Naples. When Dietrich learns this she is distraught and realizing she cannot marry the Yankee, tells him the truth about her feelings for De Sica thereby freeing herself to follow him. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
Review
The scenery challenges the star power in Monte Carlo Story, which is actually a good thing: viewers need as much to capture their attention as they can get, else they'll be forced to pay attention to the story of Monte Carlo, and that would simply never do. If you get the impression that Dino Risi's screenplay is not exactly a classic, you're definitely on to something there -- which is more than could be said of Risi. Monte Carlo concerns itself with two con artists, each thinking the other has money and eventually realizing that they'd rather have each other than oodles of cash. It's a well worn set up, and anyone utilizing it needs to be prepared to offer plenty in the way of witty banter, unique twists and turns of the plot, and interesting insights into the characters involved. Risi does none of this, letting the cast and the on location shooting carry the film for him. Fortunately, the Monte Carlo settings are lovely indeed and beautifully captured by Giuseppe Rotunno's camera. And the cast does include genuine stars in Marlene Dietrich and Vittorio De Sica, who display a fine chemistry with each other. Neither actor is turning in a "highpoint" performance, but they anchor the film (and Dietrich looks stunning in her Jean Louis outfits.). The best performance comes from Arthur O'Connell as the patsy that Dietrich picks out after discovering DeSica is not all he seems. O'Connell brings a life and vibrancy to his scenes and manages to be a bit gauche while still very likable. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide
Clelia Matania - Sophia; Alberto Rabagliati - Albert the Portiere; Mischa Auer - Hector the Maitre D'; Renato Rascel - Duval; Carlo Rizzo - Henri, a sailor; Truman Smith - Mr. Freeman; Mimo Billi - Roland, barman; Marco Tulli - Francoise, chauffeur; Guido Martufi - Paul, elevator boy; Frank Elliott - Mr. Ewing; Betty Carter - Mrs. Ewing; Clara Beck - American Oil Heiress
