Review #1

Indiscretion of an American Wife **** 1953 Starring: Jennifer Jones/Montgomery Clift

Set in Rome in "modern" times, this movie unravels the tale of a married woman and her Italian lover.
The affair, at least in her mind, is over. Mary Forbes realizes her need to return to her family in America, yet she longs to say one last farewell to Giovanni Doria, the man who has stolen her heart. The pain in her eyes, the trembling of her hands tells us she can't bear the thought and with her finger poised inches from the apartment buzzer, she pulls back and flees.
The lovers connect (By chance?? How in the world did he know she would be there??) in the very crowded Rome train station, one in which there are nuns, priests, peasant families, singing tourists, leering policemen, marching soldiers and a multitude of others to contend with.
Giovanni gets angry, slaps her and leaves. She runs and hides. Minutes pass and we are shown her kind side wherein she helps an ailing woman. More minutes pass and we see him fruitlessly searching for his Maria. Then . . . he sees her across the tracks and foolishly risks his life to be with her again. Turning to leave, she reconsiders and falls into his embrace. All is forgiven.
They need to talk, so he takes her to an empty car, an empty compartment and are spotted entering. Inside they kiss and whisper endearments to each other when suddenly light is invading the darkness and they are under arrest--for "making love" in public!!!!
Marched through the station, they must endure the stars and insinuations--the shame. After the police commissioner reviews the case he relents as long as Mary leave on the 8:30 train to Paris. She agrees and has 10 minutes to retrieve her bags and get to Track #7 and makes it with just moments to spare.
Giovanni helps her board and says he must leave, but she holds on until the last possible moment, expressing her regrets but not her good-byes. As he leaves the train, he stumbles and falls, watching the train race off into the night. Slowly he rises and with head bowed in sorrow, walks off, knowing he will never see her again.

JudyBug says: This was a good movie. It was believable in all aspects except one, and that was having Montgomery Clift in the part of the Italian lover. Yes, he was a credible actor, but accents were NOT his strengths! An actor that comes to mind who would have been a good choice to play the lead is Rossano Brazzi. Handsome, suave and Italian to boot! What is Hollywood thinking when they miscast like that? The hustle and bustle at the train station was a tad mind-boggling, yet listening to the native Italians and watching their mannerisms were well worthwhile. Also, the early '50's fashions and hairstyles were pretty cool as was the intensity in the chemistry of the characters. I recommend this movie if you can find it and have a hour to kill. (You read that right--this movie is only 63 minutes long!) So, get a G.U.S. and some F.F. popcorn and enjoy!