Plot: Has-been director Harry Dawes gets a new lease on his career when independently wealthy Kirk Edwards hires him to write and direct a film. They go to Madrid to find Maria Vargas, a dancer who will star in the film. Millionaire Alberto Bravano takes Maria from Kirk. Count Vincenzo Torlato-Favrini takes Maria from Alberto.
Starring Heavyweights Ava Gardner, Bogart, and Edmund O'Brien and "Barefoot Contessa" has some good, lush, 1950s photography. Sadly - unlike "All about Eve" - Joe Mank didn't have David Zanuck demanding the script be tightened and rewritten. The story goes on forever and is over scripted. Lots of dialogue and none of it quotable. But a few good moments - primarily due to the actors.
Summary: Well acted and well directed but too much talk and not enough soul or story. Rating **1/2
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