Sophia Loren In Rome (1964)

A companion piece to ELIZABETH TAYLOR IN LONDON which aired the year before, screen goddess Sophia Loren guides viewers through various parts of Rome, both the historic Rome as well as contemporary Rome. Rome by day and Rome by night as well as tourist spots and the everyday Rome of its citizens. Unlike Taylor, Loren doesn't make herself the focus of the production. She doesn't read poetry, quote diaries or recite famous speeches by Italian monarchs and politicians. She does, however, sing. She also has a famous guest (which Taylor did not) when she visits Marcello Mastroianni at his home on the Appian Way. Gowned by Dior (Loren had it in her contract, she got to keep the clothes), she looks stunning. I enjoyed it a bit more than ELIZABTH TAYLOR IN LONDON because I find Rome a more photogenic city than London and the history of Rome more fascinating than British history. John Barry once again provides the underscore.