The Barefoot Contessa Synopsis & Summary

Synopsis

The Barefoot Contessa begins at the funeral of Ava Gardner, a former Spanish peasant, cabaret dancer and movie star, who at the time of her death was a full-fledged contessa. Her life story unfolds in flashback recollections from her mourners. Film director Humphrey Bogart recalls how his career was saved when he discovered Gardner on behalf of Howard R. Hughes-like mogul Warren Stevens. Press agent Edmond O'Brien remembers how Ava was wooed and then abandoned by mercurial millionaire Marius Goring, and Italian count Rosanno Brazzi reflects on how he was able to wed the tempestuous Gardner, only to watch his world crumble after revealing on their wedding night that he was "only half a man." O'Brien received Best Supporting Actor awards at both the Academy Awards and Golden Globes in 1954. - Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Movie Info

Starring:
Humphrey Bogart, Ava Gardner, Edmond O'Brien, Marius Goring, Rossano Brazzi
Theatrical Release Date:
01/16/1991
DVD Release Date:
06/19/2001
Rating:
Not Yet Rated
Run Time:
128 min.
Production Co.:
United Artists
Director(s):
Joseph L. Mankiewicz
Genre(s):
Foreign
Themes:
Ladder to the Top, Cinderella Stories, Filmmaking
Tone:
Cynical, Lavish, Satirical, Sentimental, Stylized, Bittersweet, Elegiac
Keywords:
behind-the-scenes, dance [art], director, filmmaker, gunfighter, impotence [lack of power], killing, marriage, rags-to-riches, shoot-out, stars [celebrities]
Country of Origin:
USA (09-29-1954)
Language:
English
Status:
DVD

Netflix FREE Trial

Rent as many movies as you want!