Sophia Loren plays a horny princess from the Austria-Hungarian Empire (about 1910). She's been banished to her country home for 'bad behavior' though we aren't sure exactly what it means. I think it implies she has been chasing men, as soon she meets up with a traveling American (John Gavin) and throws herself at him. Yet, inexplicably, he seems immune to her frisky game.
In the midst of her trying to vamp the man, she is called back home--apparently the Emperor has forgiven her AND there is a very advantageous arranged marriage in the works for her with a Prussian Prince. So, she disappears.
Time passes. The oblivious American arrives at Schönbrunn Palace (the Emperor's house) on business and soon sees the Princess. He's had no idea she was royalty and instantly he declares his love for her--although given he doesn't even really know her, this makes zero sense. Inexplicably, eventually she declares her love for him and they run off--despite there being no logical reason for her giving up on her life of privilege. The end.
The story really makes no sense and supports the daffy cliché of love at first sight. Whatever. All I know is that the relationship is thoroughly unconvincing and the film seems to go on and on and on until it reaches a very obvious and irrational conclusion. Other than the pleasure of seeing Loren at her prime, I cannot really see any reason to see this oddly cast film--oddly because the Italian Loren and French Maurice Chavalier play Hungarians!! Huh?!
In the midst of her trying to vamp the man, she is called back home--apparently the Emperor has forgiven her AND there is a very advantageous arranged marriage in the works for her with a Prussian Prince. So, she disappears.
Time passes. The oblivious American arrives at Schönbrunn Palace (the Emperor's house) on business and soon sees the Princess. He's had no idea she was royalty and instantly he declares his love for her--although given he doesn't even really know her, this makes zero sense. Inexplicably, eventually she declares her love for him and they run off--despite there being no logical reason for her giving up on her life of privilege. The end.
The story really makes no sense and supports the daffy cliché of love at first sight. Whatever. All I know is that the relationship is thoroughly unconvincing and the film seems to go on and on and on until it reaches a very obvious and irrational conclusion. Other than the pleasure of seeing Loren at her prime, I cannot really see any reason to see this oddly cast film--oddly because the Italian Loren and French Maurice Chavalier play Hungarians!! Huh?!