The Amorous Adventures Of Moll Flanders (1965)

Set in 18th century London, an ambitious young woman (Kim Novak) schemes to make her fortune. She masquerades as a rich widow to land a wealthy nobleman. She sets her eyes on a sea captain (Richard Johnson) of property. In actuality, he's a penniless thief looking for a rich wife! Based on the novel by Daniel Defoe (ROBINSON CRUSOE) and directed by Terence Young (WAIT UNTIL DARK). The Oscar winning TOM JONES (1963) was a huge hit in the U.S. and this bawdy comedy hoped to replicate its success. It doesn't. Not that it's bad, I actually enjoyed it but it's just comes across as an imitation of the 1963 film with a female "Tom Jones". It's a handsome looking film thanks to the wide screen Panavision lensing of Ted Moore (A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS) and the gorgeous costumes of Joan Bridge and Elizabeth Haffenden and Kim Novak looks sensational. Alas, though she tries hard, she's not up to part. She's not particularly comfortable with comedy. Someone like Shirley MacLaine or Sophia Loren (who had been mentioned for the part several years earlier) with genuine comedic ability could have done the part effortlessly. The supporting cast is good though. With Angela Lansbury, Vittorio De Sica,, George Sanders, Lilli Palmer, Hugh Griffith, Leo McKern, Daniel Massey and Cecil Parker.