Stale plot bolstered by good cast, lovely locations... In his penultimate film, Clark Gable plays a gruff American visiting Italy to settle his late brother's estate who discovers he has both a sister-in-law and a young nephew he hadn't been told about. The adults bicker over the child's upbringing, but soon realize they have feelings for each other. Gable, heavy and grouchy throughout, seems way passed this type of innocuous romantic comedy-drama. Stuck with the bland character name of Michael Hamilton, Gable never shakes off his lethargy, though it is great seeing him in the arms of Sophia Loren! Still, there are few sparks between the two stars, despite Loren's obvious hard work in keeping this dessert from melting. Director Melville Shavelson's pacing isn't exactly effervescent, but he does get some attractive shots of the country at its most beautiful. The well-worn romantic formula, however, comes straight from Hollywood, and the results are predictably lukewarm. ** from ****
Review of It Started in Naples
