The Worst Film Ever

A Masterpiece!

This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.

I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

Directed by Oscar winning cinematographer Guy Green, and with a screenplay from Julius Epstein, this average drama features a recognizable cast and tear-jerking story.Olivia de Havilland plays a mother whose beautiful twenty something daughter, played by the perfect actress for the part - Yvette Mimieux, is emotionally immature. While vacationing in Italy, the two are pestered by a young local, played curiously by George Hamilton.Hamilton's character is naturally attracted to Mimieux's innocence and naivete and wants to introduce them to his family. His father, played by Rosanno Brazzi, is of course attracted to de Havilland and, being Italian, is unencumbered by the fact that they are both married.De Havilland's husband, a busy businessman played by Barry Sullivan, joins his family in Italy and we learn that their daughter is mentally retarded, permanently 12 years old. He is aghast that his wife appears to be thinking she can marry her daughter into the Italian family she has charmed. When he leaves to return home, de Havilland's character must decide whether to "come clean" with Brazzi's, revealing her daughter's handicap and risking their engagement.Of course, given its director, this beautiful country is lovingly photographed.

This is the type of movie that can only be made 50 years ago where innocence, romance and charm can go together to open-minded movie- goers. To be clear and set the record straight, I disagree with the reviews posted here calling this young woman "retarded." Clara is NOT retarded. She had a head injury, but it does not make her retarded. It is a minor limitation. However, as you move into the story you find that Clara is actually more aware and smarter than her parents or doctors initially believed or give her credit. Clara was able to learn a new language (Italian) and assimilate with the country's people, culture and language. That in itself shows immense intelligence. Perhaps, it was the fault of the parents for smothering her too much and not allowing her to grow. Kids will believe what their parents believe of them. Once Clara was allowed to be herself, she was able to grow. People, please don't confuse "innocence" with retardation. It is an inaccurate depiction of this young woman. Just because Clara did not fit in with the judgmental and prejudice Americans back home and her mom decided to travel out of the country, it does not mean Clara was retarded. Having said all this, I find Light in the Piazza to be a GEM for those who still have a heart, compassion and can enjoy a bit of innocence in today's desensitized times.

I saw Light in the Piazza ten years ago and gave it 4/10 then and since saw IMDb's score and thought I should see it again. When it came on TCM I re-watched it, to see if time and maturity on my part would be more kind to it.Normally, Americans vacationing in either Paris or Italy are an instant turn-off for me (unless it's Roman Holiday). There is an added moral sinew to this one and so, despite the frothy music and never ending over-polite native service staff, there is an extra dimension to this travelogue. Some have cited that the sunny widescreen vistas are the only real reason to see Light in the Piazza and it is possible to switch off the dialogue and gently dream of such, if one so wishes.That extra muscle in the body of this film might seem a minor dilemma except to those afflicted, for whom it must be all consuming. Not being a parent, it could be difficult for me to sympathise with Olivia de Haviland's continual fussing over her brain damaged daughter, damage which only manifests itself in social situations as she has the mental age of a ten year old, yet is sexy, blonde and vivacious enough to turn the heads of young, virulent men. Including one Italian young man, Fabrizio, who is in actual fact American George Hamilton, turning up the accent to annoying levels and this miscasting effectively kills the film for me. Every time he pops up, which is often, I want to throw something at the screen because of this falsity. But, as the flirting couple get ever closer, the question as to whether to call off the holiday early, forbid Clara (the daughter) in seeing her beau or to simply let it run its course, whatever the outcome is dealt with gently but in some detail by de Haviland, her working, absent businessman husband and others. Not boringly done, but a definite sidetrack if one only wanted a vacant sights-show.To reveal which of the three courses that I outlined de Haviland chooses would necessitate a spoiler and so you'll have to see it for yourself. There are worse things to waste time on, but you may feel rather uneasy that you had.

This is an almost perfect movie. The glorious setting in Florence, romantic musical score and perfect actors make this a classic. It is not dated at all.The story is a fascinating study of the differences between American and Italian cultures and values. It is a very finely observed showing the subtle differences between the societies. And the best is it has a happy ending. Everyone got what they wanted.Olivia de Havilland is perfect as the worried mother trying to find happiness for her emotionally backward but very pretty daughter played with just the right charm and innocence by Yvette Mimieux. Brazzi is perfect as the suave Italian in law. Even George Hamilton does a surprisingly good job as an Italian beau.This is enjoyable and involving from start to finish. By the way, I saw the musical on Broadway - it didn't quite capture the nuances of this movie. A play on stage would have been better than the musical.