Happy Birthday to the beautiful Sophia Loren, who turns 74 today. I have always enjoyed this actress, not only because she was a model of loveliness in her films, but because she always had an aura of dignity and an air of mystery. One of her most mysterious films was Arabesque, in which she was paired with the dashing Gregory Peck (after Cary Grant turned down the role). Peck played a professor who helped decode ancient hieroglyphics with Loren's glamorous spy character, Yazmin.Loren should have been cast in more mysteries, because her face was perfect for films of intrigue (and it is not certain whether or not one can trust her in this film). This was also a humorous movie, though, and Loren was surprisingly good at comedy.
I sometimes yearn for the stylish movies of the sixties, especially those with scores by the great Henry Mancini, who provided the music for Arabesque.
The more I talk about it, the more I'd like to rent this movie again.
But Happy Birthday, Sophia--you are one of the icons of my childhood.
To read another post about Sophia and my look-alike babysitter, check out Poe's Deadly Daughters on Monday.
5 comments:
Julia, I have fond memories of Arabesque, too. Wonder if it holds up.
Well, now we both have to rent it. :)
I don't know Arabesque, but you have given it a tantalizing description. And, though I would likely not have said so when I was a youth, Henry Mancini wrote some fine music.
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Detectives Beyond Borders
"Because Murder Is More Fun Away From Home"
http://detectivesbeyondborders.blogspot.com/
You didn't like HM as a kid? Didn't you love the Pink Panther music? What about THE GREAT RACE?
But yes, if you love the 60s films, you've got to give this one a try. And although I didn't mention it, I was always rather in love with Gregory Peck.
I liked the "Pink Panther" music, but I always thought of the rest of his output as wimpy music played on strings. The turning points, probably, were the versions on Capitol Sinhs Johnny Mercer and by Sarah Vaughn. Of course, the main attraction there was Johnny Mercer's lyrics, but if Johnny Mercer will write lyrics for a tune, that tune deserves respect.
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Detectives Beyond Borders
"Because Murder Is More Fun Away From Home"
http://www.detectivesbeyondborders.blogspot.com/
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