The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone

1961
Approved
1h 43m

IMDb RATING

6.4/10

3.1K

YOUR RATING

Vivien Leigh and Warren Beatty in The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone (1961)

Play trailer3:19

1 Video

99 Photos

Drama Romance

An aging actress travels to Rome with her husband; after he suddenly dies during the flight, she begins a passionate affair with a young gigolo.An aging actress travels to Rome with her husband; after he suddenly dies during the flight, she begins a passionate affair with a young gigolo.An aging actress travels to Rome with her husband; after he suddenly dies during the flight, she begins a passionate affair with a young gigolo.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

6.4/10

3.1K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Nominated for 1 Oscar
- 2 nominations total

Videos1

Trailer 3:19

The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone

Photos106

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Storyline

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Did you know

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Trivia
This was Tennessee Williams' personal favorite film adaptation of any of his works. Indeed, he claimed in his autobiography that it was the only one that he liked much at all. As the film was a critical failure, Williams's enthusiasm surprised many, but it may be simply because of his fondness for director Jose Quintero (whose only work for the cinema it was) and certain of the actors or because it was not hobbled by censorship issues.

Goofs
The handkerchief Karen Stone takes out is different from the one picked up by the young man outside.

Quotes
Karen Stone: You see... I don't leave my diamonds in the soap dish... and when the time comes when nobody desires me... for myself... I'd rather not be... desired... at all.

Crazy credits
The Warner Brothers shield logo which normally introduces a Warner Brothers film appears at the end of this film instead of at the beginning.

Connections
Featured in Vivien Leigh: Scarlett and Beyond (1990)

Soundtracks
Love Is a Bore
(uncredited)
Music by Richard Addinsell
Lyrics by Paddy Roberts

User reviews69

Review

Featured review

7/10

Blanche as a aging jet-setter

I love this movie and recently purchased the 2006 DVD version with accompanying 12-minute "analysis". The analysis features an interview with Jill St. John who admitted that not once during filming did Miss Leigh ever actually speak to her. Interesting. That certainly mirrors the relationship between Karen Stone, the aging and drifting actress, and Miss St. John's irritating bimbo-starlet character in the story. Yes - Beatty's accent is horrendous and distracting but otherwise, he captures the essence of a young Roman hustler. Lenya outdoes herself and is nominated for a Golden Globe and an Oscar for her performance as the procurer. But, Vivien Leigh IS this movie with her fading beauty/fame and related insecurities mirroring those of the title character. Miss Leigh's stunning early 60s couture by Balmain, the posh sets, and that baby-blue Lincoln convertible are wonderful props for a poignant and compelling tale of loss and the loneliness and desperation that can result therefrom.

By the way, I am conflicted and unsure about the finale of the movie. I presume that's what Mr. Williams intended.