That Kind of Woman

It's hard to watch a film set in 1944 when everyone (especially the women) have hair, make-up and clothing directly from 1959 when the film was made. Its drives me crazy because I find it hard to get a sense of the time when it looks completely different than it's supposed to be. Barbara Nichols is absolutely excellent in her role however and Tab Hunter is hot. Sophia is very good and quite comfortable in working in English by this, her fourth film to be made in the US. It's just too bad that no one cared to make films look historically accurate especially when hair, make-up and costume greats read a script that says the action takes place in a certain era yet choose to ignore such an important element. I think a lot of it also had to do with the star wanting to look perfect for that time without a care to the script.

In Lafayette Escadrille which was released in Feb 1958, French prostitute Renee Beulieu gives up streetwalking for Tab Hunter's character Thad Walker. Less than a year later, Tab again uses his charm and swoon bait smile to do the same with That Kind of Woman. Some guys get the dirty jobs, other guys don't.

It's 1944 and paratrooper Red (Tab Hunter), becomes infatuated with expensive call girl Kay (Sophia Loren) on a train. He's from a nice family but says it's none of his business what Kay does for a living "if that's what (she) WANTS to do." The plot sounds unrealistic but works due to the strong performances of the two stars.

Kay easily toys with men and is intrigued by the persistence, boyish handsomeness, and what she thinks is naivete of Red who actually sees through her contrived aloofness. Despite growing mutual attraction, Kay abruptly brushes off Red and retires for the evening. Red soon visits Kay at her train compartment where they share a brief steamy encounter. After the train arrives at it's destination the next day, Kay says goodbye and leaves. Fortunately for Red, his buddy Kelly (Jack Warden) obtains Kay's home address which allows the paratrooper to show up and profess his love for her. This time Kay more forcefully brushes him off but her misty eyes tell a different story. The remainder of the movie continues along the same vein with Kay's resistance slowly crumbling while Red continues his pursuit. Hunter plays this well especially in a key scene where his facial expression changes from disappointment into a subtle smile (almost a smirk) once his character realizes the truth. Eventually Kay has to choose between passionate love with Red or a lush life as a kept woman.

While Hunter did not have the same on-screen chemistry with Loren that he had with other actresses (Linda Darnell, Dorothy Malone or Etchika Choureau), there was enough there to make the plot believable. This movie is underrated and deserves a second look. I can't give it a 10 because most of the outdoor scenes detracted from the overall quality of the film and the musical score could have been much better. That Kind of Woman is worth watching especially if you are a fan of Loren or Hunter.

Was able to view this film as it was first shown on TCM after many years not being viewed by the American audiences. The famous director, Sidney Lumet directed this great picture of Sophia Loren when she was very young and extremely beautiful. Sophia Loren, (Katherine,Kay) and her girlfriend, Jane, (Barbara Nichols) are traveling on a train during WW II and the train is filled with Marines, Navy and Army personnel who are more than glad to see these very sexy and attractive women. However, Kay has a body guard named Harry Corwin, (Kennan Wynn) who is hired by a very rich man who has bought Kay body and soul for his woman, the man is George Sanders. Two marines named George Kelly, (Jack Warden) and Red, (Tab Hunter) try to hit on these two gals in the train's club car and it is not long before Kelly falls for Jane and Kay falls head over heels for Red. Red has no idea what kind of gal Kay is and of course, she is a woman who has been around the block many times with plenty of men and he finds out she is a bought woman with The Man. This is a great story and you will never be able to figure out just what is going to happen to these couples. Don't miss this film it is great and worth watching.

I just watched That Kind of Woman on TCM. I'm generally not into old movies, but this one seemed very interesting and it proved to be more than that. It is definitely not your typical love story, of which I am also not usually fond. The dialogue in the script blew me away. Walter Bernstein must have taken great pains to write this screenplay. I definitely want to read the story on which it was based.

The host on TCM said that this movie never became very popular despite the fame of Sophia Loren and Tab Hunter, and I can see why. It's comment on the society of that time was probably not highly regarded by the movie critics and people of influence during that era. I, however, thoroughly enjoyed the social criticism found in the plot, and the acting was phenomenal. Jack Warden and Barbara Nichols stole the show in my opinion. I am definitely going to check out more movies by Sidney Lumet, as well as, writings by Robert Lowry. If you're the kind of person who enjoys discovering a diamond in the rough, you will love this movie.

Sophia Loren and Barbara Nichols as best buddies ? Tab Hunter and Sophia as a couple ? You have to admit it has a ring of absurdity about it and yet not only does it work, it works quite magically in this modest, extremely winning film.

From its earliest days the movie industry plucked from obscurity those blessed with good looks, thrusting them to instant stardom. Besides their physical attributes, some had an innate ability to act, others were coached and with time learned their craft, while many simply never quite got the hang of it. Sophia Loren clearly belongs to those for whom acting came as natural as did her beauty. "That Kind of Woman" was made in the period of her first English language films. By this time she had an easy command of the language and complete command as a starring screen presence.

From his earlier films it's pretty evident that Tab Hunter did not quite possess an innate acting ability, although he certainly deserves full marks for effort. However, after seven years in the business he had acquired some skills and under Sidney Lumet's direction he delivers an excellent performance. It's nicely underplayed, combining just the right balance of strength and vulnerability. He was also in the prime of his legendary handsomeness.

The success of screen romances is largely based on chemistry. From their very first scene together, there's a surprisingly genuine chemistry between Loren and Hunter which is the very core of the story.

There's wonderful support from George Sanders, Barbara Nichols, Keenan Wynn and a terrific, young Jack Warden.

All in all, a somewhat forgotten but immensely enjoyable film.