José-Luis de Villalonga Movies
The suave and dapper Spanish actor José Luis de Villalonga specialized in polished, upper-crust, high-society characterizations -- which in fact mirrored his offscreen social status, image, and persona. Born in 1920, de Villalonga debuted prominently under the aegis of Louis Malle on that helmer's 1958 succès de scandale Les Amants -- as a smug, self-satisfied polo player. The actor only achieved an international breakthrough, however, three years later -- as Jose da Silva Perriera, a Brazilian millionaire engaged to Manhattan playgirl Holly Golightly (Audrey Hepburn) but unexpectedly passed over for George Peppard -- in the Blake Edwards classic Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961). De Villalonga maintained an occasional onscreen presence through the late '80s, in films such as Darling (1965), Voltati Eugenio (1980), Patrimonio Nacional (1980), and Blood and Sand (1989). He gained much broader recognition in his later years, however, as a social fixture of Euro bohemian life and as an author of several well-received tomes. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide- 1992
In 1939, Ramon (Jacques Penot) was a young man, caught up in his Barcelona family's involvement on the Republic side in the brutal Spanish Civil War. He and his family fled into exile ahead of Franco's troops. Now it is many years later, and he has come back to see how his old homestead fared in the intervening years. The only person he can find who is able to remember those years clearly is his family's old butler Claudio (Vittorio Gassman). This film is a sequel to the 1975 film by director Jaime Camino, Largas Vacaciones del 36. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Vittorio Gassman, Jacques Penot, (more)
Previously filmed in 1922 with Rudolph Valentino and in 1940 with Tyrone Power, Vicente Blasco Ibanez's mystical bullfight novel Blood & Sand was given a third big-screen treatment in 1989. Though filmed in Spain by a Spanish director, the 1989 Blood & Sand casts American actor Christopher Rydell as the bullfighter hero. Also hailing from the USA is a pre-Basic Instinct Sharon Stone, playing the vamp role previously essayed in 1922 by Nita Naldi and in 1940 by Rita Hayworth. The story remains the same: a dirt-poor youth rises to fame and fortune in the bull ring, forgets his roots, cheats on his wife, has a last-minute change of heart, and pays for his sins in grotesque fashion. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Chris Rydell, Sharon Stone, (more)
- 1985
Based on a Texas Ranger comic-book hero who first rode into sight in 1948, this routine western is an Italian version of the adventures of Tex Willer (Giuliano Gemma), his sidekick Kit Carson (William Berger), and his Native American buddy Tiger Jack (Carlo Mucari). Predictably, Tiger Jack is nearly mute, and Tex wears a white cowboy hat, just to make clear which side he is on. A series of adventures take the trio into a confrontation with the Yaqui nation, intent on (finally) avenging the near-annihilation of their ancestors. To that end, the Yaquis rob a train, join forces with other Native Americans, and manage to concoct a secret weapon that is capable of immediately transforming their enemies into mummies. The "Lord of the Deep" is an alchemist parked at the bottom of a volcano, who creates a glowing green mummification rock (shades of kryptonite!).
~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Giuliano Gemma, Carlo Mucari, (more)
- 1981
This is the third film in a sequence that started in 1978, about the Marquis de Leguineches, his hopeless son Luis José, his mistress/servant Viti, and in this instance, a Catholic priest. The Marquis has been living in Madrid since he lost his villa, and when his father-in-law dies, the family gets together and that becomes a catalyst for thinking more directly about their future. This leads to the Marquis' decision to leave Spain with the family's money, yet it will be difficult to cross the border without having their wealth confiscated by the authorities. So the Marquis fakes a broken leg and stashes the wealth inside his cast on a journey to Lourdes to seek a miracle. Unfortunately, France is no more amenable than Spain to the wealthy aristocracy since Mitterand's socialist government has just been elected into power. Between his unwieldy cast, the crazy family members, and the problem of where to go next to keep his fortune intact, the Marquis has a rough time of it. The repartée among the Marquis' family members and friends will entertain most audiences, but the originality of the 1978 family has worn thin by now and will be difficult to stretch into yet another episode in the future. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Luis Escobar, Amparo Soler Leal, (more)
- 1980
Adept at dissecting marriage as an essentially no-win institution, Luigi Comencini applies his directorial scalpel here through the viewpoints of ten-year-old Eugenio (Francesco Bonelli) and his parents. Giancarlo (Saverio Marconi) is a father who loves his wife, Fernanda (Dalila Di Lazzaro), and his son, but what he wants out of life is not necessarily compatible with the responsibilities of marriage and fatherhood. Likewise, Fernanda is torn between a more liberated existence and what she understands to be social restrictions. After Eugenio is abandoned on a road in the middle of nowhere by an irritated friend, a sequence of events is set in motion that highlights the underlying problems in his family. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Saverio Marconi, Dalila di Lazzaro, (more)
- 1980
A Marquis (Luis Escobar) suddenly becomes inspired to reclaim his palace, now gone to seed, right in the heart of Madrid. He and his son head for the city, without taking into account that his wife, the aged Marquesa is thoroughly ensconsed in the palace, has been for more than 40 years, and has no intention of leaving. In order to settle the issue, the Marquis decides to get his wife committed - not an unreasonable proposition given the fact that she has preferred to stay in bed all these years. Variously eccentric characters pop in and out of the palace as the Marquis tries to implement his plan, without much success. The Marquesa, in turn, manages to force him and her former lover into a duel in the garden and pulls out a shotgun to put them out of their misery and her life. Things backfire, so to speak, and the Spanish State comes into the picture, perhaps it will have more success where its old - very old - aristocracy has failed to measure up. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Luis Escobar, José Luis Lopez Vasquez, (more)
- 1980
- R
West German filmmaker Hubert Frank directed this standard European exploitation film which is notable only for a star turn by the 20-year-old then-unknown actress Anne Parillaud (La Femme Nikita). Parillaud plays Patricia Cook, a wealthy and free-spirited young woman with a disapproving father and an extremely promiscuous lifestyle. Her father dies of a heart attack, presumably because of Patricia's scandalous behavior, and Patricia ends up dating Harry Miller (Sascha Hehn), a racecar driver who doesn't know whether to marry Patricia so she can keep her father's millions or murder her in exchange for a large sum of money promised by a mysterious figure. The plot itself is really secondary, serving primarily as an excuse for Parillaud to shed her clothing, engage in softcore lesbian groping with her cousin Pussy, and run topless through a monastery until the lusty monks give chase. Jose-Luis de Villalonga (Julie Christie's Italian husband in Darling) is among several surprising familiar faces in the cast. ~ Robert Firsching, All Movie Guide
- 1978
Based on interviews with people who figured in the events of the day, this documentary explores the events preceding and during the Spanish Civil War (1936-39). The special focus of this documentary is on the events of the time in Cataluna. Among those interviewed are Gil Robles and "La Passionaria." Some prior knowledge of the time and the region would assist in properly appreciating this film. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide
- 1974
In this madcap comedy, a completely unavailable girl is the object of the fantasies of three guys who have been pals for years. They eventually follow her (literally) to heaven and hell, but satisfaction does not attend their efforts. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Didier Kaminka, Philippe Ogouz, (more)
- 1971
- PG
This French-made feature was based on a 1957 Hollywood "B" effort The Burglar. Both films were inspired by the same David Goodis novel. Gallic crime-flick icon Jean Paul Belmondo play a slick jewel thief who steals a valuable emerald. He is stalked by cop Omar Sharif, who when he catches up to Belmondo reveals himself to be a fellow crook, interested only in a piece of the action. Diane Cannon plays the "gun moll" role created by Jayne Mansfield in the 1957 film. Burglars ends with a set-to in a Greek grain elevator, where Sharif is smothered in a cascade of wheat--a climax later borrowed for the American crime thriller Witness (82). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jean-Paul Belmondo, Omar Sharif, (more)
- 1970
Sapho (Marina Vlady) is the liberated woman who sets her sights on both men and women for her sexual satisfaction. She falls for a vapid young diplomat named Lionel (Renaud Verley), and soon the two live together to continue their passionate love affair. Lionel's father (Jacques Monod) is financially wiped out and pushes his son to marry the daughter of a wealthy man. Lionel leaves the heartbroken Sapho, but he returns to her when he knkows he can't live without her love. Sapho refuses to take him back as the love she once held for Lionel has now died. the story is taken from the novel by Alphonse Daudet. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Marina Vlady, Renaud Verley, (more)
- 1965
This uninhibited Italian comedy was originally titled Il Magnifico Cornuto. Ugo Tognazzi plays a philandering businessman, inordinately proud of his hyperactive libido. Claudia Cardinale is his sexy wife, which makes one wonder why Tognazzi would ever want to stray. Be that as it may, Cardinale decides to take revenge on her roving hubby by launching an affair of her own. The beauty part is that she's almost able to get away with her hanky-panky without her self-absorbed husband ever catching on. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Claudia Cardinale, Ugo Tognazzi, (more)
- 1965
In this French comedy, a clever fellow proves himself smarter than the gangsters who would exploit him. The trouble begins in Paris when the vacationing hero accidentally gets into an auto accident with a smuggler. The crook is most apologetic for the mishap and kindly offers to let him drive his Cadillac to Bordeaux and continue with his holiday. The poor traveler doesn't know that the vehicle is a black market on wheels carrying everything from jewels to heroine. He is pursued by the smuggler and by a rival gang. He is so busy enjoying himself that he doesn't bother to look back at the gun battles raging behind him. He ends up picking up two hitchhiking women and continuing his leisurely journey. When he finally realizes that they are using him, he drives the crooks right to the police station. Later he discovers that the steering wheel of the car contains the largest diamond in the world. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Louis de Funès, Bourvil, (more)
Julie Christie won an Oscar for her portrayal of a bored, amoral fashion model in this cynical melodrama from director John Schlesinger. Following the break-up of a teenage marriage, Diana Scott (Christie) drifts into the world of modeling and acting, where she meets a television news reporter, Robert Gold (Dirk Bogarde), who leaves his family for her and introduces her to a more powerful and wealthy set. Soon Diana meets somebody more attractive: public relations mogul Miles Brand (Laurence Harvey). After briefly leaving and then drifting back into Robert's life, experiencing an orgy and even getting an abortion, Diana eventually leaves the swinging London scene behind and settles down to an unfulfilling if comfortable life as the wife of millionaire Italian widower Cesare (Jose-Luis deVillalonga). Shocking in its day, Darling (1965) won Oscars for its costumes and script from Frederic Raphael. ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Julie Christie, Dirk Bogarde, (more)
Juliet of the Spirits is a fantastical showcase for Federico Fellini's vibrant imagery, starring his wife, Giulietta Masina, as the titular leading character. Juliet is a wealthy housewife who constantly fears her husband, Giorgio (Mario Pisu), is cheating on her. While she yearns for a peaceful intimate evening on the night of their 15th anniversary, the egotistical Giorgio has forgotten about it and instead arrives home with his eccentric friends. After a trip to a séance, Juliet is haunted by images from the spirit world, including obsessions from her past involving religion and her late relatives. With her sisters and mother prying into her life, Juliet seems to be seeking an inner peace amidst all the sexual temptations surrounding her. She meets her neighbor, Suzy (Sandra Milo), a showy pleasure-seeker who lives in a sensual playhouse. It appears that all of Juliet's family, friends, and fantasies demand that she loosen up and embrace sexual freedom, yet she remains chaste and dowdy, lamenting over her unfaithful husband. The reasons for Juliet's repression are not clearly defined by the narrative, despite glimpses into her supposed imagination. Forced to endure the constant bombardment of sexually charged imaginings, the demure Juliet retreats on her own. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Giulietta Masina, Mario Pisu, (more)
By 1964, it was possible for a major studio to make a film touching upon the Spanish Civil War without having to answer to some senate investigating committee or other. Based on Emeric Pressburger's novel A Mouse on Sunday, Behold a Pale Horse stars Gregory Peck as a war veteran who continues waging a one-man offensive years after hostilities have officially ceased. Exiled to France, Peck is lured back to Spain by vengeful police captain Anthony Quinn. Priest Omar Sharif advises Peck that he's being tricked, but Peck is determined to return to Spain to bid farewell to his dying mother Mildred Dunnock. Halfway through, the film bogs down into ponderous preachifying and moralizing, but overall the film is worth a glance. In 1966, Behold a Pale Horse was scheduled to be telecast on a major American network, but was cancelled at the last minute, reportedly at the behest of the Spanish government. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Gregory Peck, Anthony Quinn, (more)
- 1963
Jean Gabin plays Charles, an aging gangster, newly released from prison. In fine Bogart tradition, the unrepentant Charles immediately sets to work planning a major casino heist in Cannes. His go-between for this endeavor is a chorus girl, whom Charles's associate Francis (Alain Delon) beds in order to win her confidence. This rapidly-paced suspenser was based on a novel by John Trinian. When first distributed in the US, the film travelled under the title Any Number Can Win. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jean Gabin, Alain Delon, (more)
Cleo From 5 to 7 (Cleo de cinq a sept), per its title, concentrates on two hours in the life of a woman. Those hours are desperate ones, in that Cleo, a pop singer, awaits the results of her tests for cancer. Director Agnes Varda stages the film in "real" rather than subjective time, its various episodes divided into chapters, using significant Tarot cards. During the allotted time, Cleo visits her friends, tries to sing her worries away, spends money, and cries. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Corinne Marchand, Antoine Bourseiller, (more)
- 1962
The French omnibus feature Tales of Paris is made of four separate romantic playlets, each with its own cast, director, and scenarist. "The Tale of Ella," directed by Jacques Poitrenaud, stars Dany Saval as an ambitious nightclub performer who very nearly messes up her chances for success by bullying a mild-looking but important producer. "The Tale of Antonia," directed by Michel Boisrond, finds housewife Dany Robin exacting a sweet revenge on her cheating husband. "The Tale of Francoise," directed by Claude Barma, concerns the efforts of Francoise Arnoul to test the fidelity of her best friend's lover. And "The Tale of Sophie," directed by Marc Allegret, features Catherine Deneuve as a goody-two-shoes who fabricates a torrid romance in order to be accepted by her sexually knowledgeable schoolmates. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Françoise Arnoul, Françoise Brion, (more)
- 1962
A lovely young nurse finds herself framed for the murder of a hospital patient who died after she administered an injection. She goes to court where eventually, the real killer is revealed by his own jilted lover in this French drama. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
In an idealized New York City during the early '60s, Holly Golightly (Audrey Hepburn) is a charming socialite with a youthful zest for life who lives alone in a nearly bare apartment. She has such a flippant lifestyle that she won't even give her cat a name, because that would be too much of a commitment to a relationship. Maintaining a childlike innocence yet wearing the most perfect of designer clothes and accessories from Givenchy, she spends her time on expensive dates and at high-class parties. She escorts various wealthy men, yet fails to return their affections after they have given her gifts and money. Holly's carefree independence is changed when she meets her neighbor, aspiring writer Paul (George Peppard), who is suffering from writer's block while being kept by a wealthy woman (Patricia Neal). Just when Holly and Paul are developing their sweet romance, Doc (Buddy Ebsen) appears on the scene and complicates matters, revealing the truth about Holly's past. Breakfast at Tiffany's was nominated for several Academy awards, winning Best Score for Henry Mancini and Best Song for Johnny Mercer's classic tune "Moon River". ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Audrey Hepburn, George Peppard, (more)
- 1960
Talented actress and writer Simone Signoret carries this drama about an emotionally deteriorating woman, Roberta, who tries everything she can to win back the affection and interest of her husband, Milan (Reginald Kernan). Milan is a moody race-car driver who is now retired, living with Roberta, married for ten years, and intent on writing his memoirs. Too much togetherness has the couple sniping at each other, so when an attractive young woman joins them for awhile, Roberta eventually sees her as a chance to improve her marriage. Already declining in heavy bouts with the bottle, Roberta thinks that the young woman could awaken her husband's interest in intimacy -- and therefore in Roberta herself. As might be expected, this convoluted and risky plan backfires in the worst possible way. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Simone Signoret, Reginald Kernan, (more)
The Lovers (Les Amants) furthered the reputations of both director Louis Malle and star Jeanne Moreau -- and also pushed the boundaries of American censorship (1959 vintage) to the breaking point. Moreau plays a humdrum housewife whose life brightens considerably when she meets a handsome young archeologist (Jean-Marc Bory). The two enjoy an exquisite evening in the boudoir, and when comes the dawn, Moreau has gained a whole new outlook on things. She abandons her family in favor of Bory, even though neither has the slightest notion of what the future will hold. The Lovers gained notoriety upon its first release as the Movie With the Nude Scene: though a model of decorum by today's standards (the most suggestive moment is a shot of Moreau's hand falling limply on the bedsheets), the scene provided fodder for outraged guardians of public morals for several years. One hapless Cleveland theatre owner was arrested on an obscenity charge, a case that went all the way to the Supreme Court. The Venice Film festival took a more liberal stance on the matter, awarding The Lovers a special jury prize. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jeanne Moreau, Alain Cuny, (more)
