The Millionairess (1960) is a British comedy-drama film directed by Anthony Asquith and starring Sophia Loren and Peter Sellers. It is a modern adaptation of George Bernard Shaw's play Pygmalion, with a focus on the themes of class, social mobility, and the power of love.
The film tells the story of Epifania Parerga (Loren), a wealthy and spoiled heiress who is determined to marry Dr. Ahmed el Kabir (Sellers), a selfless and idealistic physician who runs a clinic for the poor. However, Dr. Kabir has a prenuptial condition: Epifania must live on only 35 shillings a day for 90 days if she wishes to marry him.
At first, Epifania is furious about the condition, but she eventually agrees, hoping that she can win Dr. Kabir over with her charm and wit. However, as she spends more time living among the poor, Epifania begins to see the world in a new light. She realizes that her wealth and privilege have isolated her from the real world, and she begins to question her own values.
Dr. Kabir, on the other hand, is initially hesitant to get involved with Epifania. He is attracted to her beauty and intelligence, but he is also wary of her wealth and social status. He fears that she will never be able to truly understand the challenges faced by ordinary people.
However, as Epifania begins to change, Dr. Kabir also begins to change. He sees that Epifania is a good person who is genuinely trying to learn and grow. He begins to fall in love with her, and he realizes that he is willing to give their relationship a chance.
Over the course of the film, Epifania and Dr. Kabir come to learn from each other and grow as individuals. Epifania learns to appreciate the simple things in life, and Dr. Kabir learns to accept himself for who he is. In the end, they overcome their differences and fall in love.
The Millionairess is a complex and nuanced film that explores the challenges of class and social mobility. It is also a heartwarming story about the power of love to transform people's lives. The film is well-made and features strong performances from Loren and Sellers. It is a must-see for fans of comedy, drama, and romance.
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Cast
- Sophia Loren as Epifania Parerga
- Peter Sellers as Dr. Ahmed el Kabir
- Alastair Sim as Julius Sagamore
- Vittorio De Sica as Joe
- Dennis Price as Dr. Adrian Bland
- Gary Raymond as Alastair Fitzfassenden
- Alfie Bass as Fish Curer
- Miriam Karlin as Mrs. Joe
- Noel Purcell as Professor Merton
- Virginia Vernon as Polly
- Graham Stark as Butler
- Diana Coupland as Nurse
- Pauline Jameson as Muriel Pilkington
- Eleanor Summerfield as Mrs. Willoughby
- Willoughby Goddard as President
- Basil Hoskins as 1st Secretary
- Gordon Sterne as 2nd Secretary
- Tempe Adam as Gloria
- Wally Patch as Tubby Isaacs, Whelk Seller
- Charles Hill as Corelli
- Ray Austin as Stunt double for Dennis Price
Director: Anthony Asquith
Writers: George Bernard Shaw (play), Riccardo Aragno, Wolf Mankowitz
Box Office Gross: $2.9 million
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: October 18, 1960