The Barefoot Contessa Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A Spanish dancer kicks off her shoes, gets famous, marries royalty with a secret, and then things get tragically messy, all narrated by Humphrey Bogart.

🍿 The Barefoot Contessa: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Discovery in Madrid

The film opens at Maria Vargas’ funeral, narrated by Harry Dawes, a down-on-his-luck writer and director. He recounts how he and wealthy producer Kirk Edwards discovered Maria, a captivating flamenco dancer, in a Madrid nightclub. Edwards sees her as the next big star, while Harry is drawn to her unique blend of beauty and raw honesty. He convinces her to take a chance on a Hollywood career.

Hollywood Stardom and Personal Turmoil

Maria quickly rises to fame, becoming a sensation in Hollywood. However, she struggles to adapt to the superficiality and pressures of her new life. She remains grounded, valuing genuine connection over the trappings of stardom. Her relationship with Harry deepens into a close friendship as he acts as her confidante and protector amidst the chaos.

Escaping Hollywood’s Clutches

Disillusioned by Edwards’ possessive control and the constant scrutiny, Maria seeks independence. She leaves Hollywood and becomes entangled with Alberto Bravano, a rich South American playboy, hoping for a different kind of life. However, Bravano proves to be just as manipulative and controlling as Edwards, leading to further dissatisfaction.

A Countess’s Ill-Fated Marriage

While on the Riviera, Maria meets Count Vincenzo Torlato-Favrini, an Italian nobleman. He appears to be the charming prince she has been searching for. They fall in love and marry, but their happiness is short-lived. Maria soon discovers a devastating secret about Vincenzo that shatters their idyllic facade.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Maria Vargas (Ava Gardner): A captivating Spanish dancer who rises to Hollywood stardom but struggles to find genuine love and happiness.
• Harry Dawes (Humphrey Bogart): A world-weary writer/director who discovers Maria and becomes her confidant, narrating much of her tragic story.
• Oscar Muldoon (Edmond O’Brien): A slick and ambitious publicist who attaches himself to Maria’s rising star, navigating the treacherous waters of Hollywood.
• Count Vincenzo Torlato-Favrini (Rossano Brazzi): An Italian count who marries Maria, offering her nobility but concealing a devastating secret that leads to tragedy.
• Kirk Edwards (Warren Stevens): A wealthy and controlling movie producer who seeks to exploit Maria’s talent for his own gain.
• Alberto Bravano (Marius Goring): A rich South American playboy and Maria’s lover, who’s a flashy, charming, but ultimately shallow individual.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Harry Dawes: “The difference between a movie and life is that a movie has to make sense.” – Harry reflects on the unpredictable nature of Maria’s life, contrasting it with the contrived narratives of Hollywood films.
• Maria Vargas: “I don’t want to belong to anyone.” – Maria expresses her desire for independence and freedom from the control of others, particularly men, who try to possess her.
• Oscar Muldoon: “The party’s over.” – Muldoon says this line when he realizes that he cannot abide by Edwards’ standards anymore and quits.
• Harry Dawes: “She was the most beautiful woman I ever knew, and the loneliest.” – Dawes reflects on Maria’s life and the inherent tragedy, despite all her fame and fortune, she was desperately unhappy.

💰Box Office

• Budget: None
• Domestic Gross: None
• Worldwide Gross: $18,437

💥 The Barefoot Contessa Reviews

Personal Review

I was captivated by Ava Gardner’s performance and how she brought such depth to Maria. The film is definitely a bit of a melodrama, but I found myself really caring about her journey and feeling heartbroken by the tragic ending. The scenery is stunning, and Bogart is, well, Bogart!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic Hollywood melodramas”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about fame and fortune”
  • “Admirers of Ava Gardner and Humphrey Bogart”
  • “Those who enjoy films with cynical and tragic themes”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Infidelity”
  • “Violence”
  • “Discussion of impotence”
  • “Death”

Professional Reviews

• Gold Derby: “Edmond O’Brien almost went 2-for-2 in the Oscars for ‘The Barefoot Contessa’ and ‘Seven Days in May’, highlighting his compelling performances.
• Bethany Cox: “Despite a stellar cast and beautiful visuals, the film suffers from an overwrought story and muddled pacing, leaving the characters under-explored.

Audience Reactions

Ava Gardner is breathtaking and gives a memorable performance.: Viewers praise the strong performances, especially Ava Gardner’s, and the film’s exploration of Hollywood’s dark side.

Overall Consensus: A visually stunning but somewhat melodramatic film with strong performances, exploring themes of fame, love, and tragedy in Hollywood and European high society.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Supporting Actor)- 1955

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is said to be loosely based on the life of actress Rita Hayworth, particularly her troubled relationships and the exploitation she faced in Hollywood.”
• “Ava Gardner’s character, Maria Vargas, was initially offered to Rita Hayworth, who turned it down.”
• “Edmond O’Brien won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Oscar Muldoon, the sleazy press agent.”
• “The film’s title refers to Maria Vargas’s preference for going barefoot, symbolizing her connection to her humble origins and her rejection of superficial Hollywood glamour.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Barefoot Contessa?

The Barefoot Contessa (1954) can be found for rent or purchase on major digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play. Check your local listings for television availability as it occasionally airs on classic movie channels. Be sure to compare prices as rental and purchase prices may vary.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Barefoot Contessa, you might like these similar films:

• Sunset Boulevard (1950): Both films offer a cynical look at Hollywood and the destructive nature of fame, with a focus on tragic female figures.
• A Star Is Born (1954): Explores the rise and fall of a star, particularly the impact of fame on personal relationships, with a focus on the woman’s plight in a male dominated industry.
• All About Eve (1950): Also written and directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, it shares a similar style of witty dialogue and explores the cutthroat world of show business, this time on Broadway.
• La Dolce Vita (1960): Shares thematic similarities in its portrayal of the superficiality and moral decay of the wealthy elite, particularly on the Italian Riviera.

🛒 The Barefoot Contessa Related Products

• The Barefoot Contessa [Blu-ray]: High-definition restoration of the classic film, featuring Ava Gardner in a career-defining role.
• Ava Gardner: The Secret Conversations: A tell-all autobiography from Ava Gardner with previously untold stories.
• Humphrey Bogart: The Definitive Collection: A digital collection of Humphrey Bogart’s greatest films, including The Barefoot Contessa.
• The Barefoot Contessa Movie Poster: A high-quality reprint of the original movie poster.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Barefoot Contessa features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Title” – performed by Mario Nascimbene
• “Flamenco Fantasy” – performed by Traditional Spanish

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Ava Gardener – ‘Barefoot Contessa’ Actress | Mini Bio | BIO

Want to know more about the stunning Ava Gardner from ‘The Barefoot Contessa’? This mini-bio gives you a quick rundown of her life, and honestly, it’s pretty fascinating!

Movies with barefoot scenes part 1 | The Suicide Squad, Whale Rider, Sheena | Barefoot tiktok

Did you notice the barefoot scenes in ‘The Barefoot Contessa’? This video compiles a whole list of movies with similar moments! It’s a fun little dive into a quirky movie trope.

Matteo Lane – Barefoot Contessa

Ever wondered if anyone’s made jokes about the name ‘Barefoot Contessa’? Matteo Lane’s got you covered with a hilarious stand-up bit. Trust me, it’s worth a watch!

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