That Kind of Woman

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.

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.

Did anyone notice the Tab Hunter character's casual attitude toward mild violence directed at the Sophia Loren character? Probably not, since this sort of thing was so standard in 1950s films (more so than in the 1930s or 1940s) that most people simply don't notice it. This is just one of the elements that make this film a travesty IMO.

Reworking of 1938's "The Shopworn Angel", based on a short story by Robert Lowry, has Sophia Loren playing former Italian immigrant, now beautiful American citizen in 1944 traveling from Miami to New York City by train to be with her millionaire lover; a soldier with the U.S. Airborne Division meets and falls in love with her, even though he understands she's a "kept woman". Essentially, Loren must choose between love and money, though with green, self-conscious Tab Hunter as her new beau, her predicament seems based more on infatuation. Hunter, a veteran of several pictures by this point, has no temperament on screen (and director Sidney Lumet allows him no personality, either). Even when he angrily slaps something out of Sophia's hand, Hunter is still benign as a Boy Scout, with an overly-alert stare and no mannerisms, no depth. Loren comes off a bit better, and actually saves a few scenes in the beginning when Lumet awkwardly introduces us to the characters, yet the movie has no drive and no soul. It comes and goes painlessly, but leaves not a trace of passion. ** from ****

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.