A Breath of Scandal

Starring:Sophia Loren, Maurice Chevalier, John Gavin, Angela Lansbury, Isabel Jeans, Tullio Carminati, Milly Vitale, Carlo Hinterman, Roberto Risso, Friedrich von Ledebur, Adrienne Gessner, Luigi Cimara, Waveney Lee, Walter Varndal
Director: Michael Curtiz
Studio: Paramount
Product Type: DVD

Description

In A BREATH OF SCANDAL, Austrian Princess Olympia (Sophia Loren) is exiled from her familial estate for "scandalous indiscretions." Later, she turns her attentions to a handsome American stranger (John Gavin) and finds that the attraction is mutual...but the romantic complications are many. Maurice Chevalier costars, bringing his touch of charm to this lighthearted romance. Angela Lansbury rounds out this cast as a scheming countess.

Customer Reviews:

... that's all it takes.......2006-05-15

American democracy falls in love with Austrian aristrocracy in "Breath of Scandal," one of Sophia Loren's lesser-known movies. The frothy Hollywood movie takes a look at aristocratic attitudes and class differences, and Loren does a magnificent job with her snobby character.

In 1907, Princess Olympia (Sophia Loren) was banished to her late husband's country manor, after a scandal in Vienna. But while horseback riding, she is knocked off by Charlie Foster (John Gavin), and decides to seduce the sexy American. She ends up passing out, and wakes up the next morning thinking that she and Foster were intimate.

After the emperor forgives her for the scandal, Olympia is to return to Vienna -- for an arranged marriage to a stuffy Prussian prince. But a hint of scandal could derail the whole thing. The problem is that Charlie has also arrived in Vienna to see Olympia's father (Maurice Chevalier), and the prince's spurned mistress (Angela Lansbury) is looking for dirt on Olympia.

"Breath of Scandal" is not a heavy period romance, but then, it never tries to be. You know how it will end, and the fun is watching the drama and frothy romance unfold in the middle of beautiful Vienna, ancestral mansions and royal balls. The subplots rely heavily on European/American viewpoints on love and marriage, but that's about as deep as the movie ever gets.

Director Michael Curtiz was at his best with frothy comedy. And in this film, he did a good job with scenes like Charlie administering first aid while reading from the book, and sharp, light dialogue. What's more, scenes that could have been chokinglt sentimental (like Chevalier's "confession" near the end) manage to be touching instead. The biggest obvious problem in this movie is that Loren looks nothing like either of her screen parents.

Of course, the funny dialogue would fall flat if the actors were bad. Their romance is pretty lightweight, but Loren and Gavin do have some good chemistry as the sultry princess on the hunt for gorgeous men, and a good-boy American who "isn't that kind of man." Nice to see some gender role-reversal in an old movie. Also delightful are Lansbury as the devious ex-mistress and Chevalier for his usual cheery, charming role.

"A Breath of Scandal" is a lightweight romantic comedy, but is boosted up by excellent acting and some very funny dialogue. Charming.

A Breat of Scandal 1960.......2006-04-03

Its 1907 in Vienna , the "city of the Waltz" Beautiful Sophia Loren (1934- ) is the Austrial Princess who , despite her exile from the familiar estate for "Scandalous indiscretions" scorn her mother?s wish to marry a Prince . Instead she sets her sight on a handsome John Gavin (1931- ) a visiting American mining engineer who has garnered the approval of her father: Maurice Chevalier (1888-1972) as well. Michael Curtiz (1886-1962) directs , and Angela Landsbury (1925- ) provide iey snap as a scheming countess . With the elaborade costmes and sumptous decor of Viennese sociaty , A BREAT OF SCANDAL is a breezy , charming and refreshing romantic comedy that sets Emperor Franz Josep (1830-1916) court abuz with unrestraining gossip ! . Made on location in Austria . Breataking scenes from beautiful Austria . Superb Digital trasfer in High Quality picture . Recommended

Miss Loren in an acceptable version of Molnar's "Olympia".......2005-09-14

Fluffy costumer with Sophia Loren, based on Ferenc Molnar's "Olympia" (and originally filmed in 1929 as "His Glorious Night").

Beautiful and unorthodox Princess Olympia (Sophia Loren) throws tradition to the wind and falls in love with handsome American industrialist Charlie Foster (John Gavin).

Fine supporting performances from Maurice Chevalier as Prince Philip and a striking Angela Lansbury as Countess Lina. With Isabel Jeans in a delightful cameo. As one would expect, the costumes are sumptuous; both Miss Loren and Miss Lansbury look radiant in their array of gowns. The DVD offers no extras whatsoever, but the 16:9 transfer looks a treat.

They don't make them like this anymore!

Une bonne petite comédie satirique légère.......2005-08-28

C'est l'histoire d'un ingénieur américain, John Foster, qui arrive en automobile en Autriche dans les années 1910 pour convaincre l'empereur d'Autriche d'installer une usine d'électrolyse pour fabriquer de l'aluminium. Au passage, il rencontre une belle inconnue qui est en réalité la Princesse Olympia (Sophia Lauren) qui disparaît mystérieusement. Arrivé à Vienne, il cherche à rencontrer le Prince Philip (Maurice Chevalier) a qui il doit remettre une lettre d'introduction de la part de l'ambassadeur d'Autriche à Washington mais il se heurte au protocole. Le Prince Philip est également le père de la Princesse Olympia. Finalement, après quelques péripéties, la Princesse Olympia se sauve en Amérique avec John Foster.

Slow pace but worth it!.......2001-04-03

The movie is quite good if you give it a chance. It actually starts on a very slow pace and one gets the impression that the movie is not very developped. But things pick up as you go along. Maurice Chevalier's remarks are humorous and charming. Olympia's estate has great decor and wonderful furniture. I happen to love John Gavin, and I think he is a good actor. Angela Lansbury does her best to intimidate, but we still love her. She's priceless. And as for Sophia... you have got to watch...

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