Strange Bedfellows (1965) Rock Hudson, Gina Lollobrigida, Gig Young, Edward Judd Movie Review

Strange Bedfellows (1965)   3/53/53/53/53/5


Gina Lollobrigida in Strange Bedfellows (1965)

Strangely Forgettable

When Carter Harrison (Rock Hudson) landed in London to start work the last thing he expected is less than 24 hours later he would be married. But that is what happened after bumping in to the attractive Toni Vincente (Gina Lollobrigida) an artist and an activist. But shortly after the honeymoon period is over the arguments start as they realise that whilst physically attracted to each other they disagree on so much. Having parted company they meet up again five years later to finalise their divorce only to find themselves spending the night together again before come morning the rows start again. But matters become complicated when before the divorce is finalised Carter needs Toni to play the happy housewife for him to secure a business deal and that not only means no rowing but preventing her from joining a protest as Lady Godiva.

The power of physical attraction, that is everything which "Strange Bedfellows" is about starting with the storyline which sees Carter can't help but be physically attracted to Toni whilst she can't help but be seduced by his looks and charm. Yet when it comes to more than their physical appeal, and I guess the sex, they just don't get on. So yes that means that long before Kathleen Turner & Michael Douglas went hammer and tongs at each other in "The War of the Roses" we have the comedy of Rock Hudson and Gina Lollobrigida arguing. And with Lollobrigida bringing some fiery Italian passion to her character it is amusing.

Rock Hudson in Strange Bedfellows (1965)

But of course that physical attraction extends to the audience as for some there will be the appeal of the handsome and charming Rock Hudson whilst others there will be the sexual heat of Gina Lollobrigida which keeps them watching. And I can understand that as for me Lollobrigida is exceptionally appealing whilst I can also understand why others who remember London from the 60s will enjoy seeing it on screen again and some of the shop fronts they might remember having gone passed on their daily commute to work.

The thing though about "Strange Bedfellows" is that some thing went wrong because rather than being this great romantic comedy starring Rock Hudson and Gina Lollobrigida it ends up ordinary. And the reason is because when you get passed the physical appeal of Hudson, Lollobrigida and 60s London the actual comedy is plain and often dull. Truthfully there is not a single funny line or set piece gag which really made me laugh or has stuck with me despite having watched "Strange Bedfellows" twice.

What this all boils down to is that "Strange Bedfellows" certainly has a visual appeal both when it comes to Rock Hudson and Gina Lollobrigida as well as being shot in London during the 60s. But sadly the actual romantic comedy is not that great, making this surprisingly forgettable.


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