Step into the dazzling world of 1950s Italian cinema with What a Woman! (originally La fortuna di essere donna), a spirited comedy romance now colorized for an immersive viewing experience. Directed by Alessandro Blasetti, this film showcases the magnetic chemistry between Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni, alongside the suave Charles Boyer. Perfect for fans of classic European cinema and romantic comedies, this HD download brings a timeless story of ambition, love, and social intrigue to life in vivid color.
The story begins when Corrado (Marcello Mastroianni), a charming photographer, snaps a candid photo of Antonietta Fallari (Sophia Loren), capturing her adjusting her stockings. The picture makes the front page of a magazine, sparking outrage from Antonietta, who threatens legal action. Corrado, however, convinces her that he can help her rise socially and professionally, introducing her to Count Gregorio Sennetti (Charles Boyer), a powerful man who could make her a movie star.
Antonietta, open to possibilities—whether as a model, actress, or the wife of an industrialist—embarks on a whirlwind journey through Rome’s glamorous social circles. But complications arise when the Count’s wife unexpectedly appears, threatening to unravel Antonietta’s ascent. The film blends fast-paced comedy with romantic tension, highlighting themes of ambition, sexuality, and the pursuit of success in post-war Italy.
Sophia Loren as Antonietta Fallari
Charles Boyer as Count Gregorio Sennetti
Marcello Mastroianni as Corrado Betti
Elisa Cegani as Elena Sennetti
Titina De Filippo as Antonietta’s mother
Nino Besozzi as Paolo Magnano
Memmo Carotenuto as Gustavo Ippoliti
What a Woman! is a vibrant Italian comedy romance with screwball elements, showcasing rapid-fire humor, social satire, and a liberated female lead. It stands as a lively example of mid-1950s Italian cinema, blending romance and comedy with a sharp critique of celebrity culture and social ambition.
Released in 1956, What a Woman! captures the spirit of Italy’s post-war cinematic renaissance. The film anticipates themes later explored in Federico Fellini’s La Dolce Vita, particularly the cynical paparazzi culture and the complex interplay between fame, desire, and social mobility.
Sophia Loren, then just 22, shines as a sexually liberated and ambitious woman, a portrayal that was bold for its time. Her on-screen chemistry with Marcello Mastroianni, their third collaboration, is electric and remains one of Italian cinema’s most beloved screen partnerships.
This colorized edition of What a Woman! has been carefully restored using advanced digital techniques to bring new vibrancy to the black-and-white original. The process involved precise color palette choices that enhance the glamorous costumes, the bustling Roman settings, and the expressive performances of the cast.
The colorization breathes fresh life into the film’s energetic pace and stylish visuals, making it more accessible and appealing to contemporary audiences while preserving the original’s artistic integrity.
: Alessandro Blasetti
: Alessandro Blasetti, Suso Cecchi d’Amico, Sandro Continenza, Ennio Flaiano
: Original screenplay
: Otello Martelli
: Mario Serandrei
: Alessandro Cicognini
: Italy
: Italian
: 100 minutes
: MP4
: HD (1080p)
: Compatible with smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs
What a Woman! is celebrated for its lively script, sharp humor, and the magnetic performances of its leads. Though sometimes critiqued for its portrayal of opportunistic characters, the film remains a fascinating snapshot of 1950s Italian society and cinema.
The dynamic between Loren and Mastroianni is often highlighted as the film’s greatest strength, their chemistry elevating the screwball comedy elements and romantic tension. The film’s portrayal of a sexually confident woman navigating fame and love was ahead of its time, influencing later Italian and international cinema.
: What is What a Woman! about?
A: It’s a comedy romance about a young woman whose photo scandal leads her into the glamorous but complicated world of high society and movie stardom.
: Is What a Woman! the same as Lucky to Be a Woman?
A: Yes, What a Woman! is also known as Lucky to Be a Woman and La fortuna di essere donna.
: Who stars in What a Woman!?
A: The film stars Sophia Loren, Charles Boyer, and Marcello Mastroianni.
: Is this version colorized?
A: Yes, this is a professionally colorized version enhancing the original black-and-white film.
: What genre does What a Woman! belong to?
A: It’s an Italian comedy romance with screwball comedy elements.
: What is the runtime and format of the download?
A: The film runs 100 minutes and is available in HD 1080p MP4 format.
Enjoy the Charm and Wit of What a Woman! (1956) Today!