Adua E Le Compagne (1960)

After their brothel is closed down, four prostitutes attempt to start a new life by opening a restaurant in the countryside. But the past has long arms and can be cruel and unforgiving and happy endings don't always come to those who try. Directed by Antonio Pietrangeli, the film takes an unromanticized look at prostitution with excellent work by the four actresses. Simone Signoret is slightly hampered by being dubbed in Italian but she brings strength to the determined leader of the quartet, Sandra Milo (8 1/2) is charming as the easy going but not too bright free spirit, Emmanuelle Riva (HIROSHIMA MON AMOUR) as the high strung hooker trying to raise a child and Gina Rovere is touching as the one who finds true love only to have it snatched away. Pietrangeli may be one of the most undervalued of Italian directors. His I KNEW HER WELL is a stunning film and this one is pretty damn good. Normally, I'm all for honest endings even if they hurt but, for once, I wanted to buy the Cinderella ending because this one stung. The jazz score is by Piero Piccioni. With Marcello Mastroianni as the car salesman who courts Signoret, only to crumble when she needs him.