5/5 old movies that are hard to find
  by Nancy W. Johnson (myrtle beach sc)
I have been looking for several old movies and finally found all of them on amazon .com. it was a very easy process and got them in a timely manor. will continue to buy from amazon in the future. I have also bought several baby items over the past 12 months. Very satisfied on everything.

5/5 Excellent
  by Terry P. Henderson (Asheville NC USA)
Me gusta Clark Gable, sus movimientos y las caras y miradas que haqce. Sofia LOREN tambien era buena muy Italiana, pero bien. los dos hacen un papel de comedia y romance excellente. gracias por la oportunidad que me dais para expresarme.
T.P.H.

3/5 Routine romantic comedy with beautiful scenery
  by M. Smith (Washington, NC)
An American lawyer (Clark Gable) comes to Naples to settle the affairs of his deceased brother, only to learn he has an eight year old nephew being raised by an aunt (Sophia Loren), a local cabaret singer. Predictably, aunt and uncle disagree on how the child should be raised, and, just as predictably, fall in love.

The film tries to portray the Neopolitans as simple fun-loving people, contrasted with the serious, stuffy American lawyer, but it does not work for me. Clark Gable was 59 when the film was released; he moves stiffly and his face seems pudgy at times, while Sophia Loren was only 26 (and quite healthy). Therein lies the problem: the story is not a May-December romance, and the aging Gable is not convincing as a romantic partner for the young and lovely Sophia.

The real attractions are the location photography of Naples and Capri, and the wonderful Sophia Loren herself. Filmed in VistaVision, the scenery is spectacular on a large screen TV -- particularly the eerily-beautiful shots of Capri's Blue Grotto. Sophia Loren effortlessly portrays: a parade queen, slovenly housekeeper, caring aunt, cabaret singer, and a woman in love -- amply demonstrating why she was a super star.

This is not a great movie, but if you enjoy romantic comedies it is a pleasant way to spend an evening.

3/5 A must see for Sophia Loren fans
  by Penumbra (Atlanta, GA USA)
"It Happened in Naples" isn't great, but it's a solid product from 1960 Hollywood. It has star power, a catchy tune ("Tu Vuo Fa L'Americano") that is still being covered by new artists today, a romantic Italian setting, lots of gorgeous Technicolor, and a plot that won't strain anyone's intellect. It's certainly watchable, but it never rises to the level of magic.

Mike Hamilton (Clark Gable) is making his second trip to Naples. The first time was with the Fifth Army in 1943. Seventeen years later he has returned to settle the estate of his ne'er-do-well brother, Joe. Since Joe was perpetually low on funds, Mike anticipates a quick trip - a brief meeting with the lawyer and then back to Philadelphia. Mike is a no nonsense kind of guy.

It comes as a complete shock to Mike when the lawyer, Mario Vitale (Vittorio De Sica), informs him that his brother died in a boating accident along with his common law wife. They left behind their eight year old son, Nando (Marietto), who has been living with his maternal aunt, Lucia Curcio (Sophia Loren), on the island of Capri.

Rather than taking the child away from his home and the aunt he knows and loves, Mike is content to leave Nando with Lucia. He gives her money and promises that he will be sending monthly payments to help with the child's support. Everyone is happy until Uncle Mike becomes a victim of Italian timetables and misses his boat back to the mainland.

Unable to sleep, Mike wanders into the city center for a cup of coffee at 1am. To his amazement, there is little Nando passing out fliers to tourists. Fliers promoting his aunt's scantily clad nightclub act. Mike sends Nando home and goes to confront Lucia about their nephew's upbringing. Fireworks, literal and figurative, abound in the ensuing battle for custody.

Marietto is adorable as the urchin who smokes, drinks wine, hangs out in nightclubs most of the night, whistles at passing young women, and refers to himself as "one tough cookie."

Clark Gable's character displays neither his trademark charm nor humor, instead he comes across as brusque and cold for most of the film. He runs hot and cold on Sophia, and seems to have a detached interest in making sure his orphaned nephew has a proper home and education. Mike Hamilton is a difficult character to like.

Sophia Loren was an absolutely gorgeous 25 year old when this was filmed. She's equally at home cooking up huge pots of pasta and as the sexy nightclub singer with a warm heart and a fiery temper. Her musical numbers scorch the screen.

Casting the young and beautiful Sophia Loren as Gable's love interest only serves to make the 58 year-old actor look old and tired in their shared scenes. Lack of chemistry between the stars is a lead weight in this movie. The love story never really works.

The DVD video quality is quite good. The print looks restored with bright, vivid color. The soundtrack is sharp and clear. There are no bonus or special features on the disc - only scene selection and optional English subtitles.

3 stars. A recommended purchase for Sophia's fans; everyone else should rent it.


4/5 It Started in Naples
  by Persephone (Nanaimo, British Columbia Canada)
Three movie greats, Gable, Loren and Vittorio De Sica in a charmingly old fashioned romantic comedy set in the beautiful scenery of the island of Capri.