Scandal in Sorrento

Released 22nd December 1955, Scandal in Sorrento follows the licentious retired marshal Comandante Carotenuto as he returns to his home in Sorrento and becomes involved with several females. Being an older film, the narrative isn’t particularly complicated or deep with its theme of love, instead opting to be pure entertainment. This lofty tone results in many occurrences of laid back jokes which make the experience all the more enjoyable. For an old film, the pacing is also really strong and you never feel a moment is drawn out or wasted. Vittorio De Sica gives an entertaining performance as Comandante Carotenuto. While he doesn’t give a layered performance, he has great timing with comedic moments and certainly has a screen presence.

Sophia Loren displays an aura of promiscuity which makes Sofia particularly comical; her character is heavily sexualised (with some outdated actions) which separates her from the other women that Carotenuto desires. In contrast, Lea Padovani is a far more reserved and modest as Violante Ruotolo who, much like Mario Carotenuto’s Don Matteo, is able to move Carotenuto onto a more respectable path. Antonio Cifariello is funny enough as Carotenuto’s romantic rival but, even for the period standards, his acting is exceedingly poor. Finally, Yoka Berretty is the Swedish tourist Erika who Carotenuto is also enticed towards; she is fine throughout the film but she is eventually dropped in the third act which leaves the ending dissatisfying without her closure.

This abruptness also carries through to a handful of side characters and scenes (even the ending occurs in fast-pace and is rather jarring). Sorrento’s sets are made with explicit charm and beauty; designs which aid Carotenuto’s description of the area as heaven on Earth. The sets are able to utilise a diverse colour palette without looking out of place which manages to consolidate the lofty tone. While not overtly memorable, the soundtrack is able to carry its scenes with the pleasant Italian symphonics. Overall, Scandal in Sorrento is an easy-watch rom-com from early cinema with likeable archetype characters which carry it’s passable narrative.