A BREATH OF SCANDAL
US, 1960, 97 minutes, Colour.
Sophia Loren, John Gavin, Maurice Chevalier, Angela Lansbury, Milly Vitale.
Directed by Michael Curtiz.
A Breath of Scandal is a piece of '50s entertainment fluff. It was based on a play by Ferenc Molnar, the author of The Swan, which was effectively filmed and publicised at the time of Grace Kelly's wedding to Prince Rainier. This film boast the presence of Sophia Loren, although she was at the beginning of her international career and there was emphasis on her being a sex symbol. She seems to enjoy the opportunity for comedy and elegance. Her lead is a stolid John Gavin (who was to portray Cary Grant in the telemovie biography of Sophia Loren). There is entertaining support from Maurice Chevalier, Isabel Elsom and Angela Lansbury. Sets are colourful, the period is pre-World War One and has that rather antiquated look associated with The Swan and The Prince and the Showgirl. Direction is by veteran Michael Curtiz at the end of a prolific career. Pleasantly inconsequential entertainment.
1. The appeal of this kind of romantic comedy? Historic situations with the fairytale touch? The touch of reality with reference to the United States, cars and money? The appeal of the film in its time? Later?
2. Attractive colour photography, European locations, decor and costumes? The musical score?
3. The significance of the title? Sophia Loren as sex symbol at the time? The conventions of the fairytale princess comedy drama? The court? Arranged marriages? Romance and jealousy? Mistaken identities? Happy endings?
4. The plausibility of the plot - the doings of princes and princesses in those days? The initial accident, Olympia's encounter with Charlie, his not knowing her identity, his mission in Europe, the encounter with Prince Philip, the discovery of the truth, Olympia's love and the arranged marriage, her trying to put Charlie off, the weekend, the final happy ending? The subplot of marital intrigue? The comic touches?
5. Sophia Loren's style as Olympia? Glamour, dignity, prestige? Sex symbol - Romantic? Doing her duty as princess? Love for her father and protecting him? Her putting Charlie off? Her finally going with him?
6. John Gavin as the typical handsome stolid American hero? His gallantry, falling in love, business deals, not understanding the intricacies of European diplomacy? The outings with Olympia? His worry about reputation, especially with Prince Philip? The marriage and making Princess Olympia Mrs. America?
7. Maurice Chevalier as the prince? His official duties? His love for his wife and his fidelity and the irony of taking out his lieutenant's lady love? His wisdom in helping Olympia? Her mother and the fussing about the wedding? Protocol? The opinion of the Emperor? The rivalry with Lina?
8. Lina and Angela Lansbury's style as schemer, catty aristocratic woman? Her husband? Her infatuation with the prince? Jealousies toward Olympia? Snooping and intrigue?
9. The supporting characters in the court - officials, the lady love entertained and sung to by Prince Philip? The villagers?
10. The pleasant comedy of mistaken identity and romance? Court sequences, audiences, balls etc? The happy ending? Audience response to perennial love themes?
