Compared to the other sentimental tear-jerkers of the late 1950s and early 1960s this is way above average. Olivia de Havilland provides another outstanding pivotal performance that brings extraordinary intelligence and credibility that more than compensates for any weaknesses in the story. All of the supporting performances are excellent, including wonderful work by George Hamilton and Yvette Mimieux who seem so natural and unforced, and so unlike most of their other performances. The Italian locations and production are gorgeous! The story is quite original and avoids so many of the clichés of the time. The dialogue is intelligent and unsentimental, allowing the performances to create the pain and joy. De Havilland's role is quite progressive in the portrayal of a mother willing to take risks to allow her retarded daughter to have a chance at happiness.