“Buona Sera Mrs. Campbell”

1968, in color and a terrific romantic comedy. It features the ravishing Gina Lollobrigida at her peak of popularity and beauty and the beauty of Italy. It’s a feel good movie if you are looking for something to make you smile.

The co-stars are Peter Lawford, Shelley Winters, Phil Silvers and Telly Savalas. (Do I still have to convince you?) Okay, the story takes place after WWII in Italy where Carla Campbell (Lollobrigida) has been fending for herself and her daughter since the war ended. She was a frightened young woman after the war in the little town of San Forino and with the generous support checks from three American G.I.’s, she became a respected and leading citizen in San Forino. Each of the three G.I.’s sent her checks for years because each think they fathered “Carla’s” daughter, and “Carla” and daughter are set for life with no worries. That is, until the 23^rd Regiment hosts their 20^th reunion in San Forino. All three fathers and their unsuspecting wives take a trip to Italy with the rest of the regiment but “Carla” doesn’t find out until they are practically off the bus. She’s frantic because her daughter doesn’t know about the three G.I.’s and her daughter wants to meet her father. This movie has precise comic timing and therefore one of MGM’s best Vintage Classics.

(Look for more of my movie reviews all relating somehow to Italy or Italians. E-mail me if you liked the movie. KPuzo@insightbb.com)

Kat Pulzone’