It Started in Naples, released in 1960, stars Sophia Loren, Clark Gable this American Romantic Comedy also features Vittorio DeSica, child star Carlo Angeletti and a fully Italian cast.
Days before his wedding, Philadephia lawyer Michael Hamilton (Gable) learns that his estranged younger brother and common-law wife have died together in a vehicle accident. He flies to Italy to settle their estate, and meets their 8 year old son (Carlo Angeletti) who is being cared for by his maternal aunt, a cabaret singer (Loren). Believing that remaining in her care is not in the boy’s best interest, he wants to bring him back to the states. His aunt protests and a lengthy, heated and entertaining custody battle ensues. As romance blossoms between them, Gable decides to remain in Italy.
Based on a story by Michael Pertwee and Jack Davies, screenplay by Susan Cecchi d’Amico, and directed by Melville Shavelson, the film was nominated for an Oscar for Best Art Direction. Filmed on location in Rome, Naples and Capris, critics and viewers alike deemed Loren at least as stunning as the location shoots.
Remaining a star on both sides of the Atlantic over 3 decades, in addition to her favorites Clark Gable and Marcello Mastroianni, (with whom she appeared in 11 movies), Loren has starred with other such leading men as: Paul Newman, Marlon Brando, Gregory Peck and Charlston Heston.
