Maria (gardner) starts out as a performer in a club. She sets her own boundaries, but never seems happy. When the rich, snooty producer brings his team in, he tries to steamroll maria, and convince her to come make a film in hollywood. This was kind of a strange role for bogart; he was a gangster for so long. Here, he's the film's writer and director, but he respects maria., and has a friendship with her. It's a long film, but the last thirty minutes is where all the meat is. Maria meets her prince, or in this case the count; but even with him, she doesn't know if she will ever find happiness. It's all very well done. Written and directed by joe mankiewicz. He had already won his four oscars.
Review of The Barefoot Contessa
