Three Coins In The Fountain (1954)

Three Coins In The Fountain - 1954

Coming up next we have 1954's "Three Coins In The Fountain", a film about three ladies living in Rome who find romance.  All three are headed down different paths in life, and romance is the last thing they expect to find.

The film's cast includes Clifton Webb, Dorothy McGuire, Jean Peters, Louis Jourdan, Maggie McNamara, Rossano Brazzi, Cathleen Nesbitt, and Norma Varden.

The film opens with Frank Sinatra singing the Academy Award-winning title song, "Three Coins In The Fountain", and we are treated to some of Rome's most beautiful fountain locations.

Three coins in the fountain,
Each one seeking happiness.

Thrown by three hopeful lovers,
Which one will the fountain bless?

Three hearts in the fountain,
Each heart longing for its home.

There they lie in the fountain,
Somewhere in the heart of Rome.

Which one will the fountain bless?
Which one will the fountain bless?

Three coins in the fountain,
Through the ripples how they shine.

Just one wish will be granted.
One heart will wear a valentine.

Make it mine,
make it mine,
make it mine!

Maria Williams (center) has come to Rome to work at the United States Distribution Agency.  She meets her new villa-mates Miss Frances (left) and Anita Hutchins (right).

On the way to work, they stop and show Maria the Trevi Fountain.  The legend states that if you throw a coin into the fountain you will return to Rome.

And we're quickly introduced to the men in the ladies' lives.  Miss Frances has been in love with her employer, the writer John Frederick Shadwell, for fifteen years, only he can't see it.

Anita falls in love with Giorgio, who works in the same office she does.  Unfortunately, the company frowns on relationships between Americans and Italians.

And Maria falls in love with Prince Dino di Cessi, the playboy of Rome.  She tries to fake interest in the things she thinks interest him.

Prince Dino takes Maria (accompanied by Miss Frances as a chaperone) on a quick trip to Venice, and we're along for the beautiful ride as well.

The movie is remarkable in that we get to see some beautiful shots of Rome and the surrounding areas.

The three couples have to navigate the tricky waters of romance, but come out on top when they meet up at the Trevi Fountain at the conclusion of the movie.

Cast rundown:

   Clifton Webb................................John Frederick Shadwell

   Dorothy McGuire...........................Miss Frances

   Jean Peters..................................Anita Hutchins

   Louis Jourdan...............................Prince Dino di Cessi

   Maggie McNamara.........................Maria Williams

   Rossano Brazzi.............................Giorgio Bianchi

   Cathleen Nesbitt...........................Principessa di Cessi

   Norma Varden..............................Woman At Cocktail Party

And that's all for Three Coins In The Fountain.  The opening sequence and the song by Frank Sinatra had an enormous amount to do with the great success of this film.  Movie goers flocked to the theaters to "travel" to Italy.  This film was made in the "Hollywood on the Tiber" era, which showcased Italy as a major filming location.  This film won Academy Awards for Best Song and Best Cinematography, much deserved honors.

As always, if you wish to leave a comment, please remember our posting rules.