Sophia Loren and gaunt, wide-eyed Vittorio Gassman play a destitute married couple whose luck seems to change when Gassman is offered free room and board in an empty, dusty mansion which supposedly houses a ghost. He doesn't tell his wife the history of the spooky place, and she doesn't tell him about a smitten former lover of hers who has moved into an upstairs room, hoping to steal her from her husband. Marital mix-up offers comic misunderstandings, some funny moments, and several beautiful shots of La Loren (although her auburn hair seems to get darker as the film progresses). The half-English/half-dubbed look of the picture is pretty shoddy, and the entire third act (which skips ahead in time, defying all logic and credulity) is nearly crippled by Gassman's over-acting (the biggest mystery is why Sophia married him in the first place). Still, there's a cute in-joke in the final tag, and enough modest laughs throughout to keep the silly circumstances lurching along. **1/2 from ****
14 Reviews
A convoluted comedy.....
mark.waltz15 November 2001
Warning: Spoilers
Thank heavens someone posted the plotline of this film under plot summary, or I would have no idea how to describe this film. I'll just say that beautiful Sophia Loren has a neglectful husband (Vittorio Gassman) and a very attentive lover; It seemed to me that just as she was about to run off with the lover, her husband moved her into a lavish palace, forgetting to tell her one thing: that he is paying no rent because it is apparently haunted. Sophia's lover arrives, and to hide him from her husband, she puts him in a closet. Seeing the man in the closet, Gassman thinks he's a ghost.
There are some funny moments as "the ghost" pays Gassman off to apparently keep his presence from some nuns. Loren begins to think that her hubby is pimping for a hooker he has rented to, and all chaos takes loose. From there, it gets even more convoluted, with a confrontation in the palace from a group of nuns, a supposed death, and reconciliation between husband and wife. Hopefully, someone else will get what was supposed to be going on.
All I can think is that this is one of those "metaphorical" films of the 60's that one needed to be on acid to understand. To make matters worse, I couldn't decifer if this was partly dubbed and partly filmed in English, or two versions of the same film edited together. Loren, of course, is beautiful and charming; She is the only thing interesting in the film, more out of curiosity for film fans. I'm glad I caught it to see what kind of films I missed as a child.
There are some funny moments as "the ghost" pays Gassman off to apparently keep his presence from some nuns. Loren begins to think that her hubby is pimping for a hooker he has rented to, and all chaos takes loose. From there, it gets even more convoluted, with a confrontation in the palace from a group of nuns, a supposed death, and reconciliation between husband and wife. Hopefully, someone else will get what was supposed to be going on.
All I can think is that this is one of those "metaphorical" films of the 60's that one needed to be on acid to understand. To make matters worse, I couldn't decifer if this was partly dubbed and partly filmed in English, or two versions of the same film edited together. Loren, of course, is beautiful and charming; She is the only thing interesting in the film, more out of curiosity for film fans. I'm glad I caught it to see what kind of films I missed as a child.
GHOSTS - Italian STYLE (Renato Castellani, 1967) **1/2
Bunuel197623 August 2006
Based on a play by the eminent Eduardo De Filippo, this old-fashioned but agreeable mix of haunted house thrills and comedy of errors is tailor-made for the talents of its two international stars - Sophia Loren and Vittorio Gassman (who particularly shines); incidentally, this constituted their only teaming following their stardom (having also made 3 other films together during the early 50s). Still, the film also treats several social issues like poverty, suicide, adultery and prostitution - but it's all done with a decidedly light touch.
The supporting cast is equally well chosen: Mario Adorf (as the head of an institution/order of nuns where Loren used to work and who still loves her, while being mistaken by Gassman as the house ghost!), Aldo Giuffre' (as the opportunistic caretaker of the haunted building) and Margaret Lee (as a Fellini-esquire hooker, abused but ever-optimistic, who also lodges at the house). The film also features a good score by the always reliable Luis Enrique Bacalov.
While no classic, the gags and lines are pretty consistent; the last joke even involves an uncredited cameo by Marcello Mastroianni!
The supporting cast is equally well chosen: Mario Adorf (as the head of an institution/order of nuns where Loren used to work and who still loves her, while being mistaken by Gassman as the house ghost!), Aldo Giuffre' (as the opportunistic caretaker of the haunted building) and Margaret Lee (as a Fellini-esquire hooker, abused but ever-optimistic, who also lodges at the house). The film also features a good score by the always reliable Luis Enrique Bacalov.
While no classic, the gags and lines are pretty consistent; the last joke even involves an uncredited cameo by Marcello Mastroianni!
Funny 60's Comedy
Tony Rome13 September 2005
I recently saw this film on Turner Classic Movies. I was surprised to see that even though 37 years have passed, the film still is humorous. I have to admit, the idea is quite far fetched, but Sophia Loren and Vittorio Gassman do a fine job as the happy, (unhappy) couple. One comment stated that this is an "unfunny" comedy. This is the type of film where one must separate themselves from reality. Remember that this is a movie: made with the sole purpose of entertaining the viewer. Ponti, (Sophia's husband) made some excellent, but sadly forgotten little gems, that hopefully will be brought to wider attention in years to follow. This is a good film to see as a double feature, with (1972) "Lady Liberty", a sort of forgotten Sophia Loren film. I am surprised that MGM/UA has not released this film in a letter-boxed format on DVD. Watch for a quick cameo by Marcello Mastroanni.
Suprisingly Good
ThomasColquith17 October 2021
I actually really enjoyed "Ghosts -- Italian Style". I had low expectations and almost didn't bother watching it, but now I'm glad that I did. It was silly and stupid but enjoyable with some chuckles. I watched with subtitles on as I often do which helped me to hear all the dialogue. It is not too difficult to follow the plot, but you do have to pay attention. It's probably not a movie that will appeal to everyone, but I think certain people will enjoy it. My rating: 8/10 for its silly uniqueness and imagination. The actors are all great as well. Also, there are probably some similarities to "Volver" if you know that film, that would be the best analog that I could give.
Closing gag is the best in this rather dumb comedy
gridoon20246 December 2011
Warning: Spoilers
According to IMDb, Sophia Loren didn't make another film for 3 years after completing this one, even though she was at the height of her fame at the time. I think a possible explanation may be her dissatisfaction with the kind of scripts she was getting! "Ghosts - Italian Style" might have benefited from giving Loren more comic opportunities - instead, she's forced to play it mostly straight and only in the last 5 minutes does she get two funny scenes to herself. Vittorio Gassman tries hard, but his character is just too dumb to believe - if they wanted to go for total cluelessness of Lou Costello levels, the pacing should have been quicker and the production less static. A very surprising cameo at the end of the picture, plus maybe the chance to (very briefly) see Sophia Loren and Margaret Lee in the same scene, almost make this one worth sitting through. ** out of 4.
Gets off to a good start but goes downhill after a weak mid-section...
Doylenf20 September 2011
Some spotty editing is no help in trying to follow the plot twists that get more and more involved after a good start, with Vittorio Gassman and Sophia Loren moving into a castle that Gassman thinks is haunted by a wealthy nobleman. Actually, it's Loren's lover who is hiding out to be near her and this set-up is the start of a screwball comedy.
Most enjoyable aspect of the film are the performances by Vittorio Gassman and Mario Adorf who garner a lot of laughs out of what seems an impossible situation. Loren merely lends her rather somber presence to the comedy in a straight role that doesn't require comic skill.
The situations are played for laughs but the story convolutions become a bit hard to swallow once the film gets past mid-length and there are too many anti-climactic moments as one gag after another is offered in rather fitful fashion, including an especially silly one for the ending that involves Marcello Mastroianni.
There's a blank time lapse toward the end that seems to indicate a bad case of editing. The story suddenly lurches forward as if omitting details of what happened in between or as though scenes were left on the cutting room floor. Despite this flaw, it manages to be funny thanks to the artful performances of the male leads.
Most enjoyable aspect of the film are the performances by Vittorio Gassman and Mario Adorf who garner a lot of laughs out of what seems an impossible situation. Loren merely lends her rather somber presence to the comedy in a straight role that doesn't require comic skill.
The situations are played for laughs but the story convolutions become a bit hard to swallow once the film gets past mid-length and there are too many anti-climactic moments as one gag after another is offered in rather fitful fashion, including an especially silly one for the ending that involves Marcello Mastroianni.
There's a blank time lapse toward the end that seems to indicate a bad case of editing. The story suddenly lurches forward as if omitting details of what happened in between or as though scenes were left on the cutting room floor. Despite this flaw, it manages to be funny thanks to the artful performances of the male leads.
Unnecessarily re-dubbed bore
jaynashvil20 September 2004
This is the kind of film that local TV stations used to program on Sunday afternoons: unfunny 60's comedies no one had ever heard of. The confused plot reads like one from a screwball comedy, but the necessary energy to pull it off are missing. Instead, there just a lot of poorly paced talking and ranting.
Totally sucking the life out of the film is the odd re-dubbing of every sound effect and line of dialog. Since everyone's mouths seem to match English perfectly, you have to wonder what the purpose of this was. Since everyone constantly sounds four inches from the microphone, whether they're running down the stairs or whispering across an alley, the film has a strange antiseptic quality, devoid of any room noise or natural ambiance. Sophia fans should simply watch her and mute the sound.
Totally sucking the life out of the film is the odd re-dubbing of every sound effect and line of dialog. Since everyone's mouths seem to match English perfectly, you have to wonder what the purpose of this was. Since everyone constantly sounds four inches from the microphone, whether they're running down the stairs or whispering across an alley, the film has a strange antiseptic quality, devoid of any room noise or natural ambiance. Sophia fans should simply watch her and mute the sound.
"Well just don't sound like Dracula all the time, alright?"
utgard1427 August 2014
Newlyweds Sophia Loren and Vittorio Gassman are struggling to make ends meet after he loses his job. When offered a 17th century mansion rent free, the husband quickly accepts. The catch is that it's supposedly haunted. They move in and soon the husband starts noticing a lot of strange things going on, such as money mysteriously appearing. He chalks this up to ghosts. In reality, it's his wife's wealthy admirer, who is providing for her without the husband's knowledge in hopes she will sleep with him. Later a hooker moves in and the wife believes the husband has become a pimp. It gets even stupider after that.
What a mess. It aspires to be a screwball comedy but this is pretty unfunny stuff. The leads try hard, and Sophia's certainly always nice to look at, but it's just a misfire from start to finish. Avoid unless you're a huge Sophia Loren fan.
What a mess. It aspires to be a screwball comedy but this is pretty unfunny stuff. The leads try hard, and Sophia's certainly always nice to look at, but it's just a misfire from start to finish. Avoid unless you're a huge Sophia Loren fan.
is the house haunted or not?
ksf-226 December 2021
Maria and Pasquale (33 year old Loren and Gassman) are newlyweds, and live in a haunted house. Pasquale is a tone deaf singer, and bad luck follows him everywhere. Maria has an old friend, a guardian angel, who helps them. And wants Maria. A fun, silly storyline... in return for living in the castle, they must make it look very active and occupied. For some reaon. A madcap caper! From what I can tell, it was filmed in Rome, so some actors are speaking english, while the natives speak italian. The Turner Classic version is all dubbed in english. Co-stars Mario Adorf. Some fun, silly situations. All story driven. Pretty good. And Sophia Loren! Directed by Renato Castellani. Nominated for a Bafta for the 1955 version of Romeo and Juliet. Distributed by MGM in the US and England. Based on a play by Eduardo De Filippo.
I love Ms. Loren but even she could not save this campy stinker
Ed-Shullivan14 September 2018
The summary plot provides a decent outline of what you "should expect" from Ghosts, Italian Style. Unfortunately Ms. Loren's talent was totally wasted in this mixed up so-called comedy. It seems the director Renato Castellani kept losing focus on his star Ms. Loren who plays a frustrated but still loving and devoted wife named Maria Lojacono. Instead the director Renato Castellani in his attempt to keep the laughter rolling he focused more on Maria's husband a man named Pasquale Lojacono (played by actor Vittorio Gassman) who is a big loser in the income department and he gets sucked in to live in a haunted mansion for free rent.
Into the picture comes an infatuated former admirer of Maria Lojacono's whose name is Alfredo Mariano (played by Mario Adorf). Alfredo fell in love with Maria when she was a young girl living with the nuns in a monastery that Alfredo still manages and owns. When Maria walks back into Alfredo's heart once again he chases Maria and locates her in the haunted mansion that her husband Pasquale foolishly agreed to rent for free, ghosts or no ghosts.
This film ends up being a poor man's version of any one of the Abbott & Costello 1948-1953 franchise horror/comedy flicks that kept me laughing from beginning to end. In the film Ghosts, Italian Style I could not even force a fake laugh. When Sophia Loren was in any scene at least I smiled though.
Still, I can only rate this film a poor 3 out of 10 rating
Into the picture comes an infatuated former admirer of Maria Lojacono's whose name is Alfredo Mariano (played by Mario Adorf). Alfredo fell in love with Maria when she was a young girl living with the nuns in a monastery that Alfredo still manages and owns. When Maria walks back into Alfredo's heart once again he chases Maria and locates her in the haunted mansion that her husband Pasquale foolishly agreed to rent for free, ghosts or no ghosts.
This film ends up being a poor man's version of any one of the Abbott & Costello 1948-1953 franchise horror/comedy flicks that kept me laughing from beginning to end. In the film Ghosts, Italian Style I could not even force a fake laugh. When Sophia Loren was in any scene at least I smiled though.
Still, I can only rate this film a poor 3 out of 10 rating
This Movie Almost Works
MovieGuy-1092418 October 2022
Sofia Loren and Vittorio Gassman do a good job acting this movie. The roles are intentionally silly but they are able to keep them from going overboard until the end of the movie, when everything falls apart. In other films, it seems sometimes that Vittorio Gassman is too aware of the camera, but not here. He allows his character to go wild, but I never felt that it was too much, until the end.
The direction is pretty good, until the end. There were some good funny scenes and everything seemed to flow well.
The writing was also pretty good, until the end when I wasn't sure what was going on. Even at the end there were some good scenes and some good jokes, it's a shame that everyone allowed the story to fall apart. This also had the negative effect of losing the thread of all of the tenants, the neighbor, and even the main story regarding the apartment. I would have liked to have had some closure on these stories.
I laughed a number of times during this movie, but they lost me after a while, and on top of that, what ever happened to the ghosts? Why were they given the apartment? It would have been better, and would have made more sense, if there had been ghosts. Without them, the whole premise of them getting the apartment for free was lost.
Watch this movie only if you want to see Sofia Loren at the height of her beauty and you would be happy watching her in front of a brick wall for 1 hour and 32 minutes.
The direction is pretty good, until the end. There were some good funny scenes and everything seemed to flow well.
The writing was also pretty good, until the end when I wasn't sure what was going on. Even at the end there were some good scenes and some good jokes, it's a shame that everyone allowed the story to fall apart. This also had the negative effect of losing the thread of all of the tenants, the neighbor, and even the main story regarding the apartment. I would have liked to have had some closure on these stories.
I laughed a number of times during this movie, but they lost me after a while, and on top of that, what ever happened to the ghosts? Why were they given the apartment? It would have been better, and would have made more sense, if there had been ghosts. Without them, the whole premise of them getting the apartment for free was lost.
Watch this movie only if you want to see Sofia Loren at the height of her beauty and you would be happy watching her in front of a brick wall for 1 hour and 32 minutes.
cash grab Italian comedy
SnoopyStyle31 August 2023
Pasquale Lojacono (Vittorio Gassman) and his wife Maria (Sophia Loren) are working poor. Pasquale spots a mansion for rent with "unusual advantages". It comes rent free... but with ghosts. Maria does have an obsessed admirer in Alfredo Mariano (Mario Adorf) who Pasquale mistakes for a ghost.
This is a bit of a cash grab with Sophia Loren's rising stardom. It's a screwball comedy with a fun oddball premise. I like the premise. It doesn't get much funnier as the story keeps going. It's mildly funny. The dubbing probably takes some of the humor out of this. It screws up the tone and the comedic timing.
This is a bit of a cash grab with Sophia Loren's rising stardom. It's a screwball comedy with a fun oddball premise. I like the premise. It doesn't get much funnier as the story keeps going. It's mildly funny. The dubbing probably takes some of the humor out of this. It screws up the tone and the comedic timing.
A truly awful film
lpeck820 September 2022
This movie is really bad. The main male characters over acted to an extreme and were so stupid that they were annoying. Sophia Loren was the only thing good in this movie. The over the top histrionics by the male characters were not funny but irritating.
I really don't understand why Loren took this role. The plot is ridiculous. It is simply not believable that the husband and the lover could not tell the difference between real people and ghosts. It is supposed to be a farce but it is a poorly written farce. To add to the unfunny plot, the sound mixing was uneven. It made it seem like everything in the movie was dubbed or added in a sound stage in editing. The leading actors were not dubbed but other cast members were. Don't waste your time watching this one. Even Loren's beauty could not save this movie.
I really don't understand why Loren took this role. The plot is ridiculous. It is simply not believable that the husband and the lover could not tell the difference between real people and ghosts. It is supposed to be a farce but it is a poorly written farce. To add to the unfunny plot, the sound mixing was uneven. It made it seem like everything in the movie was dubbed or added in a sound stage in editing. The leading actors were not dubbed but other cast members were. Don't waste your time watching this one. Even Loren's beauty could not save this movie.
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