Escapade In Florence (1962)

An obnoxious American student (Tommy Kirk) studying architecture on a scholarship in Italy falls for another American student (Annette Funicello) who is studying art. But when they discover a priceless masterpiece is hidden beneath her painting of a bridge, they find themselves plunged into an adventure involving art forgery. Based on the novel THE GOLDEN DOORS by Edward Fenton and directed by Steve Previn (Andre's brother). This is typical of the often mundane family friendly live action fluff Disney was churning out in the 1960s. Being Disney, there's no sex and the "violence" is of the comedic sort. Even when they're kidnapped and held prisoners, we're not worried. Who's going to shoot Annette in a Disney movie? It's crammed with the usual cliches. When we see a wagonful of hay crossing the road, we just know a car is going to crash into it and when Kirk on his Vespa races through an open air market, we know it's a matter of seconds before the fruits and vegetables go flying. The film is padded out with several songs by the Sherman Brothers (MARY POPPINS) sung by Funicello and Nino Castelnuovo. As a travelogue of the city of Florence, I give it points. With Ivan Desny, Ivan Triesault and Helen Stirling.