After mobsters murder her husband, Rose Bianco works long hours making artificial flowers, to support herself and her son. Some suspect that Rose's demand for a lavish lifestyle pushed her ...
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Title: The Black Orchid (1958)
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2 wins & 1 nomination.
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Cast
| Complete credited cast: | |||
| Sophia Loren | ... | ||
| Anthony Quinn | ... | ||
| Peter Mark Richman | ... |
Noble
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| Virginia Vincent | ... |
Alma Gallo
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| Frank Puglia | ... |
Henry Gallo
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Jimmy Baird | ... |
Ralph Bianco
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| Naomi Stevens | ... |
Guilia Gallo
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| Whit Bissell | ... |
Mr. Harmon
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| Robert Carricart | ... |
Priest
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Joe Di Reda | ... |
Joe
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Jack Washburn | ... |
Tony Bianco
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| Ina Balin | ... |
Mary Valente
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Plot Summary
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Storyline
After mobsters murder her husband, Rose Bianco works long hours making artificial flowers, to support herself and her son. Some suspect that Rose's demand for a lavish lifestyle pushed her husband to a life of crime, and they blame her for his death. Widower Frank Valente is attracted to Rose, and must convince her that real love exists. He must also deal with his own daughter, who has her own reasons for opposing his marriage to Rose. Written by Molly Malloy <[email protected]>
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More than a story of love... a story of life!Certificate:
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Details
Country:
USALanguage:
EnglishRelease Date:
19 February 1959 (Italy) See more »Also Known As:
Den sorte orkidé See more »Company Credits
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Technical Specs
Sound Mix:
Mono (Westrex Recording System)Color:
Black and WhiteAspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1
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Rose Bianco: To make a living people do many things God doesn't do.
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Did You Know?
Trivia
Sophia Loren earned her first acting award with this movie (she picked up the Best Actress award at the Venice Film Festival). Many more would follow. See more »Quotes
Frank Valente: Working at night? Even God doesn't work at night.Rose Bianco: To make a living people do many things God doesn't do.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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To this point in her American career, Italian actress Loren had starred mainly in big budget, Technicolor productions—e.g. Legend of the Lost, The Pride and the Passion, Boy on a Dolphin, (all 1957). Of course, such a format showed off her ample proportions for that mammary obsessed decade. I suspect this little b&w production was intended to help establish her as more than a sex goddess. And it does.
She's quite good in the de-glamorized role of an embittered working widow, Rose. Despite her resistance, she's being intensely courted by prosperous business man, Frank (Quinn). Trouble is Frank's daughter Mary (Balin), is very possessive of dad and also thinks Rose is undeserving of him. So Mary creates problems that jeopardize not only dad's engagement but also her own—to nice guy Noble (Richman). If this sounds like tangled relationships, it is, especially when Rose's delinquent son (Baird) is added to the mix.
Fortunately, the movie's well acted and directed (Ritt), which helps what turns out to be something of a soap opera. The first part comes across as mainly a character study as the hardened widow Rose fends off Frank's persistent gambits. However, once the relationships begin to spread and conflict, the screenplay takes on a more conventional tone. Also, looks like the movie was shot entirely on the Paramount lot. Thus, I expect they were able to squeeze it into her hectic schedule. Note too how subtly actress Loren expresses emotions with her eyes. That's probably something guys like me never noticed before.
Despite the obscurity in Loren's canon, the film works as an engaging showcase for the two leads, and is not without its moments.