The Flame and the Flesh

Films

The Flame and the Flesh (On loan out from MGM to an Italian production company 1954)

A little girl tries to imitate Lana's famous walk in 1954's "The Flame and the Flesh". Lou Valentino Collection

Production Dates: June 1, 1953-Mid August, 1953

Release Date: May 1, 1954.

Credited Cast and Crew:

Lana Turner, Pier Angeli, Carlos Thompson, Bonar Colleano.

Directed by: Richard Brooks

Writing Credits: Auguste Bailly (novel), Helen Deutsch

Produced by: Joe Pasternak

Original Music by: Nicholas Brodszky and Jack Lawrence

Cinematography by: Christopher Challis

Synopsis: When adventurous Madeline breezes through a small Italian village she is thrilled to find true love-at the expense of those around her.

My Review: Not a bad way to spend ninety minutes, 1954's The Flame and the Flesh is unlike anything that Lana had attempted before or ever would again. It is a very simple story of Madeline, a dark haired vamp who gets kicked out of her apartment by her landlady, only to be picked up by a struggling musician Ciccio, who takes her in, gives her something to eat and a place to sleep, only to fall in love with her at first sight. The plot thickens when Madeline, not in the least bit interested in Ciccio, falls for his room mate Nino, who is engaged to Lisa (played by a VERY dull Pier Angeli). The two begin an affair at the expense of their significant others, hurting them both in the process. They continue to see each other until Madeline, free spirit that she is, starts playing around on Nino and eventually disappears into the night.

Though this is technically an MGM film, the simplicity of the sets and the story make it seem as if you are watching a three act stage play. There is very little of the pomp and circumstance that was synonymous with MGM in its heyday and the sights and sounds of Naples and Positano, Italy make for some gorgeous location footage. There is no doubt that Lana is the headliner here and though Carlos Thompson and Pier Angeli are rather weak in their roles (and are almost crushed by Lana's large screen presence), Bonnar Colleano's portrayal of Ciccio will break your heart. He is the quintessential lovable loser, desperately in love with Madeline, to the the extent that just looking into his eyes will make your heart melt. From the first reel to last you are rooting for him and want him to get the girl- even if he may get hurt in the process.

Your Review: What are YOUR thoughts on this film? Contact me at Liza@lanaturneronline.com

Highlights and Trivia

*Lana suffered with a dreadful head cold (that threatened to turn into pneumonia) throughout much of the filming.

*Was filmed during Lana and then hubby Lex Barker's two year European holiday. The couple had the idea that by moving to Europe, they would be able to take advantage of a new tax law (Lana had gotten into big trouble with back taxes). It was while they were living abroad that Lana made this film in Italy and Betrayed in Holland.

*Was made on location in and around Naples, Italy.

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