Product Description

IT STARTED IN NAPLES tells the story of an American lawyer who travels to Naples to settle the estate of his recently deceased expatriate brother. When he arrives, he discovers that his sister-in-law was also killed in the accident, leaving their son Marrietto in the guardianship of an aunt he hardly knows. The mutual suspicion of the two towards one another eventually turns to attraction.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #11607 in DVD
• Brand: GABLE,CLARK
• Released on: 2005-07-12
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.66:1
• Formats: Color, DVD, Widescreen, NTSC
• Original language: English, Italian
• Subtitled in: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .25 pounds
• Running time: 100 minutes

Amazon.com
A minor entry in the fabled careers of Clark Gable and Sophia Loren, It Started in Naples is slight, but enjoyable fluff. As the title indicates, the story begins in Naples, although the action takes place on the Isle of Capri. Michael (Gable in his penultimate performance) is a lawyer recently arrived from Philadelphia to put his late brother's affairs in order. The result of one of those "affairs" is a street urchin named Nando (Marietto), whose mother is also deceased. Her nightclub singer sister, Julia (Loren), is his lax, if loving caretaker. Straight-laced Michael, who is engaged, believes Nando would be better off in the States. So he takes the matter to court, where he is represented by the dapper Mario (Vittorio De Sica, who directed Loren to an Oscar in Two Women). The conclusion to this harmless bit of escapism is almost as charming as it is inevitable. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Customer Reviews

Tu Vuo Fa L'Italiano!
This charming little romantic comedy directed by Melville Shavelson is one of the brightest spots in Sophia Loren's early Hollywood films. He wisely used Sophia's comic talents which were often wasted by American directors. Having worked with her in another early gem, "Houseboat" with Cary Grant, Shavelson was aware of what would make Sophia shine and here he showcases all of her many ample charms.

The DVD is presented in a sharp and glittering print of the wonderful cinematography of Robert Surtees. One of the great camera men who's credits include 1962's "Mutiny On The Bounty", "Quo Vadis", "Raintree County", and "The Last Picture Show". He captures breathtaking shots of cramped and teaming Naples and the expansive sunny vistas of Capri. In his hands this beautiful part of Italy becomes a lovely widescreen postcard that beckons the viewer into the story.

The score by Alessandro Cicognini (Indiscretion of an American Wife) and Carlo Savina is pure Italian gold and fits the comic proceedings perfectly. And the addition of the song Tu Vuo Fa L'Americano in Sophia's club act is marvelous. This popular Italian song of the 1950's resurfaced effectively in "The Talented Mr. Ripley". It is fun to see how Sophia interprets the song for the tourists on Capri.

Clark Gable, cast as stodgy American Michael Hamilton is gruff and funny as he first battles and then falls for Sophia. He has many standout scenes with her and with child actor, Marietto. In particular is the scene where he and Sophia mix killer drinks for each other at the bar.

Marietto as Sophia's nephew Nando is a little comic whirlwind. He is wonderful in his naturalness in his scenes with Loren. A skinny ball of ingenuity and energy he is particularly funny when he is trying to get his way with both Loren and Gable.

The great Italian director Vittorio De Sica nearly runs off with the cameras, set and crew in his performance as Sophia's lawyer. He works so well with her, and why not, he was her director in "Gold of Naples", "Two Women" and the wonderful "Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow." His speech in the courtroom scene is a standout.

All this wonderful talent surrounds Sophia Loren in what is really her show. She is pure magic as Lucia Curcio, a woman of passionate love of life and family. She dominates the picture as well she should because it is her talent as an actress and her incredible beauty that brought her to this point in her career. Her comedic turns and use of Italian gestures turn this into a joyous romp for both her and the audience.

After viewing "It Started In Naples" you may find yourself singing. Tu Vuo Fa L'Italiano.

It started in Naples
This is my favorite movie with Sofia. She is at her most beautiful and this is her most charming role. I am a huge fan and I believe there will never be anyone as sensual with an accent that can actually sing, act and capture everyones attention the way she did in this movie. The young boy Nando is also charming and captures the essence of Italian childhood in that time. I recomend this movie as a must see for anyone who was ever attracted to Sofia and Italy. The scenery is enchanting and the story is beautiful. See this movie and you'll want to go visit Italy.

Only for Italy's and Sophia Loren's fans!
I agree with a previous reviewer - this movie is exclusively for ones who love Italy , all things Italian, and especially Southern Italy and also enjoy watching great Italian stars - Vittorio De Sica is also there as a lawyer.
A great comedy, with nice irony of American boorishness but happily ending in them (Clark Gable as an American) understanding being wrong. Clark Gable has an alcohol problem at the time of shooting the movie and it shows. I've always thought he in his role is excessively old for Sophia there, they could have found someone younger. Nevertheless, the film is a pure delight, with aforementioned disclaimers. I classify it as entertainment, not art, but it's a first-class comedy.