Go Naked in the World

Another entry in the mini-genre that asks: "Can a prostitute ever go straight?" None could top "The Naked Kiss" (1964), but this exercise in dysfunctionality makes for a so-so diversion. I had never seen Gina Lollabrigida in a film, and I didn't particularly like her performance. Her Guilietta ("I'm not for sale!") mostly struts a great bod and indulges in over-the-top histrionics. But she does have a few good lines (i.e., "Men with gray hair are very patient"). Nor did I enjoy Ernest Borgnine in a stereotyped role that couldn't find its way onto a screen today. James Franciosa is only slightly better, as Guilietta's conflicted lover (he is pretty cool atop those construction beams, though). I did enjoy the few carefree moments that Guilietta passed in Acapulco. For a moment we imagine that she can change her spots. But what a disappointing denouement. Cop out! \

Father says she's a prostitute. Son says she's a lady. Hence, conflict. This routine saga, going back to ancient Rome, is the core of this corn. Talented Randall MacDougall's long simmering problem with femmes du monde ("Mildred Pierce," "The Naked Jungle") finally knocks the lid off this potboiler. The actors put up a mighty struggle: Ernest Borgnine as an ethnic (Greek) Super-Yenta, feigning heart attacks when he can't get his way; Anthony Franciosa, a Causeless Rebel trying to figure out how to act like a man; and Gina Lollobrigida as the beautiful Whore With A Heart Of Gold seeking acceptance against all odds. This is one of the best So-Bad-It's-Good pictures before Russ Meyer made it into a genre. As they say in poker, "read 'em and weep."

I love everything about this movie. The clothes, her apartment, the innocent middle age son who has no idea she's a prostitute in spite of having just gotten out of the service, the LOUD father who also had sex w/ her, the entire straight male San Francisco population who apparently also had sex with her, Acapulco, the doomed love affair, the torment, the balcony, the white dress, the sea, the birds, the tragedy. What's not to love? Gina Lollobrigida is bodacious beautiful. Anthony Franciosa is ridiculously miscast & daddy Ernest Borgnine is, as mention above, LOUD. It's in glamorous widescreen CinemaScope filmed in lush saturated color cinematography. It's a sexy 60s morality tale treasure. If you are blessed w/ an innate appreciation of Camp, do not miss any chance to watch this movie.

I saw this movie twenty years ago when my self-esteem was not strong, and when I saw Go Naked into the World....I was devastated when Gina Lollabridga's character committed suicide. I wanted to shout at the television "Just hold on honey, he is coming for you, he is in love with you!" And that taught me that even when your chance at love feels hopelessly doomed, just give it one more day. Then that day will turn into another, and so on. If your heart really wants it, it will be yours. The title was so aptly titled, because all of us at point in our lives, will have to go out into the world - reluctantly, feeling exposed by whatever your tribulation may be. But it gets easier as your "armour" gets stronger. Go ahead, go naked into the world, just never give up.

When you haven't seen a Gina Lollobrigida film in ten years her beauty really hits you in the face. She's also decked in glamorous, slinky gowns that show off her beautiful figure. Borgnine drives a gorgeous 1960 Chrysler New Yorker convertible in the film. Those are the only good things I can say about this movie. It us absolutely pointless. It is also boring and annoying. Franciosa overacts, Borgnine just yells and Lollo acts like she's doing everyone a favor by just appearing in the film. Well, actually, she is. You aren't given the time to care about the characters or get any insights into their motivations. Its just a lot of yelling.

I caught this on TCM running movies with Mr. Bourgnine, and based on the votes wasn't expecting much; killing time on a business trip afternoon. Maybe I'm hot for Italian women(OK I am). Franciosa and Borgnine seemed very believable to me. All the main characters are very flawed in this one and thats what makes it so interesting. Major conflicts develop in this one and Julie (Gina) is a dagger in the heart. Interesting thing, the hotel detective sniffs the cigarette to see if its pot! All the characters are dealing with their head problems, maybe to the point that it looses credibility, but I really enjoyed this one nonetheless.