Anyone Can Play (1967)

Anyone Can Play Poster
Original Title: Le dolci signore

In this delightful romantic comedy, four beautiful women attempt to deal with their sexual frustrations in fashionable Rome society.

Film Overview
"Anyone Can Play" is an Italian comedy film released in 1967. Directed by Luigi Zampa, the motion picture prominently features Ursula Andress, Virna Lisi, Marisa Mell, Claudie Lange, and Mara Berni, to name a few. Each of these actresses embodies an unique character, presenting varying views on relationships, love, fidelity, and divorce. The story unfolds versus the enchanting background of the Italian Riviera, particularly turning the spotlight on the elegant city life.

Plot Summary
Set in the striking city of Rome, "Anyone Can Play" goes through the intricate, troubled, and often comic relationships of several women from various backgrounds, but all residing in the exact same apartment building. Each of these ladies is having problem with their special set of romantic relationship concerns, primarily caused by their partners' infidelities. This movie mirrors the progressive Italian society's shift in precepts, especially in regards to relationships, fidelity, and divorce.

Character Analysis
Claudia Cardinale plays the function of Gabriella, a seductive girl who is dealing with her boyfriend's lack of dedication. Ursula Andress portrays the character of Letizia, a woman juggling in between her partner and fan. Virna Lisi takes on Silvana, an annoyed housewife who is tired of her hubby's unfaithfulness. Barbara Bouchet is Marilù, a naive lady who innocently falls into the trap of an older, conniving boyfriend. On the other hand, Marisa Mell plays the role of a woman who seeks solace in her art due to her disrupted relationship with her other half.

Instructions and Screenplay
While the complexities of relationships, especially extramarital relations, remain as a central style, the director Luigi Zampa magnificently injects humour and satirical elements throughout the story, making the movie a light-hearted representation of a major societal problem. His instructions perfectly matches the script penned by Rodolfo Sonego, Alberto Sordi, and Sergio Amidei.

Important Reception
"Anyone Can Play" was reasonably received by critics upon its release. While the instructions, performances of the leading girls, and the comic aspects were extremely praised, some critics expressed that the film could have dived more exceptionally into the social concerns it raised. Despite the blended critiques, the film holds a special place for its satirical illustration of fragile relationship aspects and the altering social standards in Italy throughout the late 1960s.

Conclusion
As an appealing mix of comedy and drama, "Anyone Can Play" provides a thoughtful point of view on the problems of romantic relationships, showcasing distressed love lives and marital issues dealt with by females of various backgrounds. This 1967 movie doesn't avoid highlighting cheating, divorce, and relationship battles, highlighting them through engaging plotlines and engaging efficiencies. Whether for its comical undertone or its satirical technique in depicting severe topics, "Anyone Can Play" remains an unforgettable representation of Italian cinema in the late 1960s.

Top Cast

  • Ursula Andress (small)
    Ursula Andress
    Norma
  • Virna Lisi (small)
    Virna Lisi
    Luisa
  • Claudine Auger (small)
    Claudine Auger
    Esmerelda
  • Jean-Pierre Cassel (small)
    Jean-Pierre Cassel
    Luisa's husband
  • Brett Halsey (small)
    Brett Halsey
    Norma's husband
  • Marco Guglielmi (small)
    Marco Guglielmi
    Esmerelda's husband
  • Marisa Mell (small)
    Marisa Mell
    Paola
  • Frank Wolff (small)
    Frank Wolff
    Paola's husband
  • Mario Adorf (small)
    Mario Adorf
    Traffic cop
  • Franco Fabrizi (small)
    Franco Fabrizi
    Luisa's lover
  • Vittorio Caprioli (small)
    Vittorio Caprioli
    Dieb