User Reviews

Virna Lisi, Terry Thomas, Margaret Rutherford, James Fox....and yet "Arabella" is almost completely forgotten today. If you do manage to see it, you'll probably understand why: it's not very funny, and it doesn't make a lot of sense, either. The full-figured, healthy-looking Lisi is extremely sexy no matter what she wears or how she styles her hair, but Thomas mugs (in multiple roles) to little effect, and Rutherford is given practically nothing to do until the last 10 minutes. The only remotely amusing section of the movie is the one with a young Giancarlo Giannini pretending to be gay so that his father will continue trying to "reform" him by throwing beautiful women at his feet! Even Ennio Morricone's score is forgettable. *1/2 out of 4.

Mauro Bolognini's 1967 film showcasing a star performance from then international cross-over Virna Lisi was released by Universal Studios and was the director's big Hollywood breakthrough. His previous and future masterpieces remain as part of the European market and it is not fair that "Arabella" remain also in virtual obscurity as it, like most of Bolognini's work deserves a re-discovery. Also starring a young James Fox who was never sexier than in this, and also Terry-Thomas in four different roles, each distinct and with a surprisingly brilliance to match most of the rest of the production. Margaret Rutherford is also in the cast, and here the problems with the weak script come into play as she has little to do with her characterization. A young Giancarlo Giannini is also on hand playing comedy that serves the production well also. The screenplay is by Adriano Baracco with English dialogue by Alan Hackney. Considered weak by critics upon release, upon several viewings this problem pales as the brilliant flourishes make a decidedly ribald yet enticing entertainment. Bolognini, a very intelligent and cultured maestro, once again shows us his superior gift for period films, with "Arabella" again the twenties. Art Direction by Alberto Boccianti deserves special praise as do Piero Tosi's costumes. Ennio Morricone once again shows his brilliance of diversity with his totally apropos and telling score. I do not think it was just the script, I think it was a gross miscarriage of the temperament of the audiences who were able to see "Arabella" at the time of its release, because it certainly should be seen and enjoyed more than ever. I am changing my rating from an 8 to a definite 9. A true masterpiece compared to a film such as the Stanley Donen/Liza Minnelli misfire, "Lucky Lady." Take a chance.