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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of The Barefoot Contessa (1954). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.


Down on his luck and struggling to make ends meet, washed-up movie director and screenwriter Harry Dawes finds himself working under the demanding business tycoon Kirk Edwards, who dreams of producing a glamorous new film. In their quest for a stunning leading lady, they travel from Rome to a vibrant nightclub in Madrid to discover the enchanting dancer Maria Vargas.

Maria is a spirited and proud individual who embraces a carefree lifestyle, often going barefoot, yet her home life is fraught with troubles. Immediately intrigued by Harry, whose past work she admires, she holds a deep disdain for Kirk. Despite initially fleeing from their conversation, Harry persistently tracks her down to her family home, convincing her to join him and Kirk on a journey to the United States to help launch her cinematic career. With Harry’s direction and the crafty assistance of the slick publicist Oscar Muldoon, Maria’s film debut turns into an overwhelming success, catapulting her to stardom and revitalizing Harry’s career. Their friendship blossoming, they collaborate on several more films, strengthening their bond.

However, chaos brews during a gathering at Maria’s home when Kirk and the dashing Latin American playboy Alberto Bravano clash over Maria’s affections. Alberto, who has taken a keen interest in Maria during the festivities, extends an invitation to her to join him on his yacht in the glamorous Riviera, prompting Kirk to sternly warn her away. Feeling stifled by Kirk’s control, Maria accepts Alberto’s invitation. Seizing the opportunity for change, Oscar, weary of playing second fiddle to Kirk, decides to switch his loyalty to Alberto.

As her fame skyrockets, Maria grapples with an unfulfilled longing, envying her friend Harry’s contentment with his script girl, Jerry. One fateful night at the Monte Carlo Casino, after a string of unfortunate losses, Alberto lashes out at Maria publicly, igniting a confrontation with Count Vincenzo Torlato-Favrini who gallantly slaps him for his rudeness and escorts Maria away from the casino.

Maria finds solace with Vincenzo and his widowed sister, Eleanora, in the opulent count’s palazzo, and soon, they fall in love and marry in an extravagant ceremony where Harry plays the role of best man. Yet, their happiness is overshadowed by the grim reality of the count’s lineage—without an heir, his noble bloodline faces extinction due to his war-related impotence, a truth he keeps from Maria until their wedding night.

Months later, amidst the melancholy of rain-soaked nights, an unhappy Maria seeks Harry’s guidance, revealing her husband’s impotence and her shocking solution: she is pregnant by another man, a decision she believes will secure the future of the Torlato-Favrini name. Despite Harry’s warnings that Vincenzo’s pride would never allow him to accept this situation, Maria is resolute in her belief and plans to disclose her news to her husband that very evening.

After their conversation, Harry observes Vincenzo’s car following Maria’s. He decides to follow them back to the palazzo, only to witness a harrowing scene unfold: Vincenzo, in a fit of rage, fatally shoots both Maria and her lover just before she can reveal her pregnancy. Arriving on the scene too late, Harry chooses silence regarding the child. The tragic tale concludes much like it began—framed by the sorrow of Maria’s funeral, as flashbacks unravel the events, leading to Vincenzo’s arrest by the police.

Timeline

Track the key events of The Barefoot Contessa (1954) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Harry's Struggles

Harry Dawes, once a celebrated movie director, now finds himself struggling to make ends meet. He is forced to work under the demanding and ambitious businessman Kirk Edwards, who aims to produce a glamorous new film.

Casting Maria

In search of a stunning leading lady for Kirk's new film, Harry and Kirk travel from Rome to a vibrant nightclub in Madrid. It is here that they discover the enchanting dancer Maria Vargas, who immediately captivates Harry's interest.

Madrid

Maria's Defiance

Maria Vargas is a spirited woman who leads a carefree life, often going barefoot. Although she admires Harry's past work, she holds a strong disdain for Kirk and initially tries to flee from their conversation.

Convincing Maria

Harry, determined to have Maria join their project, tracks her down to her family home. He manages to persuade her to come to the United States, offering her a chance to launch her cinematic career.

Maria's Success

With Harry's direction and the slick publicist Oscar Muldoon's help, Maria's film debut becomes an immense success. This achievement not only catapults Maria to stardom but also revitalizes Harry's fading career.

Tensions Rise

During a gathering at Maria's home, Kirk and the dashing playboy Alberto Bravano clash over their affections for her. Alberto invites Maria to join him on his yacht in the glamorous Riviera, stirring Kirk's jealousy.

Maria's Home

Alberto's Offer

Feeling stifled by Kirk's controlling nature, Maria accepts Alberto's invitation. Meanwhile, Oscar Muldoon decides to shift his loyalty to Alberto, tired of being in Kirk's shadow.

Monte Carlo Casino Incident

At the Monte Carlo Casino, after losing a significant amount, Alberto publicly lashes out at Maria. This escalates into a confrontation with Count Vincenzo Torlato-Favrini, who stands up for her and escorts her away.

Monte Carlo Casino

Finding Love with Vincenzo

Maria finds solace in the company of Count Vincenzo and his widowed sister Eleanora. Their romance blooms, leading to an extravagant wedding ceremony where Harry serves as the best man.

Vincenzo's Palazo

A Hidden Truth

Despite their romantic union, the reality of Vincenzo's lineage looms over them. He keeps his impotence a secret from Maria, which threatens the continuation of his noble bloodline.

Desperate Confession

Months later, Maria confides in Harry about her husband's impotence and reveals her shocking news: she is pregnant by another man. Determined to secure the future of the Torlato-Favrini name, she plans to tell her husband.

Tragic Discovery

After their conversation, Harry follows Vincenzo, who is tailing Maria. He arrives too late to prevent a calamity, witnessing Vincenzo in a furious rage, fatally shooting both Maria and her lover before she can disclose her pregnancy.

The Palazo

The Funeral

The tragic narrative reaches its conclusion at Maria's funeral, echoing her unfulfilled dreams. As Harry grapples with the loss, flashbacks recount the series of events that led to this heartbreaking finale.

Vincenzo's Arrest

The aftermath of the murder results in Vincenzo's arrest by the police, marking the end of a tragic love story filled with ambition, passion, and the high cost of desires.

Characters

Meet the characters that bring The Barefoot Contessa (1954) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Harry Dawes (Humphrey Bogart)

Harry Dawes is a once-successful movie director grappling with his past and present failures in the film industry. He possesses a deep appreciation for artistry, which drives him to mentor Maria. Despite his struggles, his persistence and connection with Maria reveal his caring nature and unfulfilled aspirations.

🎬 Director 💔 Mentor

Maria Vargas (Ava Gardner)

Maria Vargas is a vibrant and ambitious dancer who emerges from a troubled personal life into the limelight. Her confident and spirited demeanor masks her deeper struggles with identity and love. Despite her glamorous success, her personal journey is marred by betrayal and tragedy.

💃 Star 🌹 Tragic Heroine

Kirk Edwards (Warren Stevens)

Kirk Edwards is a demanding and ambitious business tycoon focused on producing a hit film. His controlling nature and obsession with Maria create friction that leads to conflict within the story. His character showcases the often ruthless side of Hollywood and its impact on personal relationships.

💼 Tycoon 🚫 Antagonist

Alberto Bravano (Rossano Brazzi)

Alberto Bravano is a charming Latin American playboy who adds a layer of tension to Maria's life with his romantic advances. His interests in Maria drive a wedge between her and Kirk, ultimately showcasing the competing desires for her affections. Alberto embodies the allure and peril of fame.

🏖️ Playboy 🎭 Rival

Oscar Muldoon (Edmond O'Brien)

Oscar Muldoon is the clever publicist assisting Harry in making Maria a star. His wit and resourcefulness highlight the often-overlooked behind-the-scenes figures in the film industry. His eventual shift of loyalty marks a turning point in the narrative's conflict.

📈 Publicist 🕵️‍♂️ Strategist

Setting

Uncover the settings of The Barefoot Contessa (1954), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.


Time period

The film seems to be set in a contemporary mid-20th century environment, reflecting the social dynamics and entertainment culture of the time. The world of glamorous movie making and high society play crucial roles, handling themes of fame, ambition, and the often dark undertones of personal relationships.

Location

Rome, Madrid, Monte Carlo, Riviera

The movie takes place in vibrant cities known for their rich culture and elegance. Rome, with its historical charm, serves as a backdrop for the initial discovery of Maria Vargas. Madrid's lively nightlife offers a glamorous setting for her debut, while the opulent Monte Carlo and the luxurious Riviera capture the allure of fame and fortune.

🏙️ Cities 🎭 Glamour

Themes

Explore the core themes of The Barefoot Contessa (1954). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


🎥

Fame

Fame is a pivotal theme in 'The Barefoot Contessa.' Maria's rise to stardom transforms not only her life but also impacts those around her, particularly Harry and Kirk. The fleeting nature of fame is echoed through Maria's ultimate tragic fate.

❤️

Love and Betrayal

The complexities of love and betrayal permeate the story, particularly in Maria's relationships with Kirk and Vincenzo. Her struggle between desire and devotion leads to devastating consequences, showcasing the fragility of love under societal pressures.

🎭

Identity

Identity plays a significant role throughout the film as Maria navigates her personal ambitions and societal expectations. Her journey reflects the conflict between her public persona as a star and her private struggles, ultimately questioning what truly defines one's identity.

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