The Barefoot Contessa
Seen it?1954 | 128 min | Drama
Friday Night FlickWhy it’s a Friday Night Flick
Critics loved it (100% on Rotten Tomatoes), it won an Oscar and it's still drawing plenty of interest. Make plans for this one.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 8 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1954: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
A washed-up filmmaker gets a second chance at stardom when he discovers stunning peasant Maria Vargas dancing in a Madrid nightclub. Goaded by his producer, the director convinces Maria to screen test for, and then star in, his next big picture. But as the producer's possessive nature and the realities of stardom weigh on Maria, she seeks a genuine lover with whom she can escape.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
100% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
6.8 out of 10
- AwardsStrong
Won 1 Oscar: Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actor. Won 1 Golden Globe: Golden Globe Awards: Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture. Also nominated for 2 more Oscars and 1 WGA Award.
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$7 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 119K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
Sunset Boulevard Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed drama.
Peaceful Warrior
Weeknight WatchAnother drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
You Got Served Weeknight WatchAnother drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
What Maisie Knew
Sunday Safe BetAnother drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Stand and Deliver
Saturday SpecialAnother drama.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz
- Humphrey BogartHarry Dawes
- Ava GardnerMaria Vargas
- Edmond O'BrienOscar Muldoon
- Marius GoringAlberto Bravano
- Valentina CorteseEleanora Torlato-Favrini
- Rossano BrazziCount Vincenzo Torlato-Favrini
- Elizabeth SellarsJerry
- Warren StevensKirk Edwards
- Franco InterlenghiPedro Vargas
- Mari AldonMyrna