"Rome Adventure" (1962), directed by Delmer Daves, is a film that offers an enticing view of the beautiful locations in Italy. The colorful cinematography by Charles Lawton, the soundtrack by Max Steiner, and the beauty of the young cast all contribute to creating a charming atmosphere that immerses the viewer in the Italian landscapes. However, many professional critics and cinephiles agree that these captivating elements serve as a consolation for the considered mediocre, moralistic, and bland screenplay.
Directed by Delmer Daves - a respected filmmaker during the 1950s, known for notable westerns like "Broken Arrow" (1950), "Jubal" (1956), "The Last Wagon" (1956), "3:10 to Yuma" (1957), "Cowboy" (1958), and "The Hanging Tree" (1959) - with a filmography worth noting, despite the rapid decline experienced in the early 1960s; 2) on the other hand, "Rome Adventure" garnered attention and affection from the audience upon its release.
The plot, adapted from Irving Fineman's book, explores themes of self-discovery, the discovery of limitations, and the revelation of love. However, the narrative is described as overly moralistic and unsuitable for the 1960s, a decade characterized by societal and cinematic change and boldness. The film, as mentioned, focuses more on the tourist aspect, presenting Italian relics and landscapes as a backdrop to the love story.
An interesting curiosity about the film is the romance that blossomed between actors Troy Donahue and Suzanne Pleshette during the filming. Their marriage was short-lived, lasting only eight months (from January 4, 1964, to September 8, 1964). In the same year, Warner Bros. Reunited them in the western "A Distant Trumpet."
The film is a clear example of Delmer Daves' creative decline. The story, considered simplistic and conservative, is completely out of sync with contemporary times. If it was already a dated film at the time of its release, it is even more so now. What remains is a curious and unintentional anachronism. It is surprising that such an outdated film was made in the 1960s, a decade marked by freedom and transgression.
Directed by Delmer Daves - a respected filmmaker during the 1950s, known for notable westerns like "Broken Arrow" (1950), "Jubal" (1956), "The Last Wagon" (1956), "3:10 to Yuma" (1957), "Cowboy" (1958), and "The Hanging Tree" (1959) - with a filmography worth noting, despite the rapid decline experienced in the early 1960s; 2) on the other hand, "Rome Adventure" garnered attention and affection from the audience upon its release.
The plot, adapted from Irving Fineman's book, explores themes of self-discovery, the discovery of limitations, and the revelation of love. However, the narrative is described as overly moralistic and unsuitable for the 1960s, a decade characterized by societal and cinematic change and boldness. The film, as mentioned, focuses more on the tourist aspect, presenting Italian relics and landscapes as a backdrop to the love story.
An interesting curiosity about the film is the romance that blossomed between actors Troy Donahue and Suzanne Pleshette during the filming. Their marriage was short-lived, lasting only eight months (from January 4, 1964, to September 8, 1964). In the same year, Warner Bros. Reunited them in the western "A Distant Trumpet."
The film is a clear example of Delmer Daves' creative decline. The story, considered simplistic and conservative, is completely out of sync with contemporary times. If it was already a dated film at the time of its release, it is even more so now. What remains is a curious and unintentional anachronism. It is surprising that such an outdated film was made in the 1960s, a decade marked by freedom and transgression.