Overview"Buona Sera, Mrs. Campbell" is a 1968 American comedic movie directed by Melvin Frank, who also co-wrote the script with Denis Norden and Sheldon Keller. The film stars Gina Lollobrigida, Telly Savalas, Shelley Winters, Phil Silvers, and Peter Lawford to name a few. The plot focuses on a lady from an Italian village who at the same time has 3 American ex-lovers believing each is the daddy of her kid.
StoryGina Lollobrigida plays Carla Campbell, a woman residing in the imaginary Italian town of San Forino. During World War II, she has romantic experiences with three American soldiers, each unaware of the others' presences. When each one proposes to her, Carla, torn about who to choose, declares she married another soldier who died in fight, and she then bears a child, Gia.
After the soldiers return home, Carla sends out 3 identical letters to each man, notifying them they have a daughter, intending to maintain their financial backing for the lady. For the next 20 years, Carla successfully deceives these guys-- Phil Newman (Peter Lawford), Walter Braddock (Telly Savalas), and Justin Young (Phil Silvers)-- into believing each is Gia's daddy, guaranteeing to each that the "reality" stays a trick.
The Unexpected ReunionThe plot thickens when the now aging trio arrives in San Forino for an army reunion, each eager to see Gia (Janet Margolin), their supposed child. Panic occurs as Carla tries to prevent the men from meeting each other and finding her decades-long deception. Meanwhile, the three guys discover Gia finding each other acting as mirrors to her, even more sustaining their belief that she is their daughter.
ConclusionAs the reunion happens, Gia heartily accepts the 3 men as her 3 'dads,' assuming it's a joke. On the other hand, a young American named trickster named Vittorio (Lee Grant) cons Carla into promising her as his spouse. When Vittorio discovers the three males, he plots to blackmail them.
However, Carla and Gia choose to admit the truth throughout the reunion. In a comical twist, they expose that Gia is not their daughter, leaving the three men relieved, thinking they 'd been spared a scandal. Later on, it is exposed that Gia's genuine dad is "Captain Campbell", where the title "Mrs. Campbell" came from, who certainly passed away simply after the war.
Reception and Aftermath"Buona Sera, Mrs. Campbell" gathered a positive reaction from the audience for its humorous story and Gina Lollobrigida's compelling efficiency. The film was chosen for several awards and became the source of motivation for the musical "Mamma Mia!" and its subsequent movie adjustments. "Buona Sera, Mrs. Campbell" remains a timeless choice amongst classic funny films.
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