Five Golden Hours

Five Golden Hours is a 1961 comedy film directed by Mario Zampi, starring Ernie Kovacs in the lead, with Cyd Charisse and George Sanders providing formidable support. The film, a blend of romance, humour, and intrigue, provides enjoyable entertainment offering spectacular performances, Rollicking scenes, sparkling dialogue, and an overarching theme that encapsulates the life in the late 1950s and early 1960s, a sophisticated and high-stakes world.

In this delightful film, Ernie Kovacs plays Aldo Bondi, an opportunistic, charming funeral director in Rome. Bondi has a unique business operation. He offers companionship, consolation, and even organizational services to wealthy widows, who are generally all too eager to compensate him for his kind gestures and thoughtful services. In this lively characterization, Kovacs gives life to a man of low morals but high ambition, bringing a witty charm that did much to define his career.

Bondi becomes embroiled with Baroness Sandra (Cyd Charisse), a vivacious and lovely woman whose husband is near death. Leveraging his professional skills in an attempt to win her heart, Bondi subsequently finds himself entangled in a complex web of romance and manipulation. Charisse brings elegance and sensuous appeal to the role, commanding attention in each scene she inhabits. Her chemistry with Kovacs is scintillating, infusing the movie with a romantic charge that heightens the comedic elements.

Interwoven into the romantic plot of Five Golden Hours is an element of intrigue, introduced by George Sanders as the sardonic, shrewd, and magnetic John Bainbridge. Sanders typically played suave and witty characters, and Bainbridge is no exception. His character adds interest and tension to an already dynamic story, layering the plot with enough twists and turns to keep viewers glued to the screen.

The film is a fantastic comedian vehicle for Kovacs, highlighting his distinctive brand of humor. His portrayal of Bondi, a man navigating the labyrinth of romance and business with a manipulative widower, is both engrossing and entertaining. The viewer is drawn in not just by the humorous antics of a funeral director turned love interest but also by the flawless execution of a plan that has the potential to backfire at any moment. The film also offers an insightful critique of high society, exploring themes of materialism, deception, and people's relationship with money and power.

Five Golden Hours further benefits from location shooting in Rome, lending an air of authenticity and extravagance to the production. The city's iconic landmarks and picturesque streets form an ideal backdrop to the film's plot, enhancing the viewing experience through beautiful on-location cinematography. The overall aesthetic of Five Golden Hours is one of opulence and sophistication, perfectly encapsulating the era and the high society that dominates the narrative.

In essence, Five Golden Hours is not just a comedy; it's a humorous commentary on human nature as viewed through the eccentric lens of its main character, a crafty and opportunistic funeral director. With an excellent cast that includes the talented Ernie Kovacs, Cyd Charisse, and George Sanders, the movie combines comedy, romance, and a hint of thrill to create a captivating and memorable cinematic experience. Its plot is intricate, full of unexpected turns that keep the audience guessing until the end. Add to this a wonderful performance, delightful on-screen relationships, sterling direction, and impressive cinematography, and you have a film that's memorable, enjoyable, and satisfying to a broad spectrum of viewers.

By bringing together a fantastic cast, excellent writing and direction, Five Golden Hours stands as an example of well-crafted early 1960s cinemography. This film proves to be a perfect blend of several genres, showcasing the era's typical charm, sophistication, and unique atmosphere while projecting an air of authenticity. This picturesque and comedic story, shot against beautiful Italian backdrops, is a worth-an-hour watch for any fan of classic cinema. Each minute of Five Golden Hours is a testament to the exceptional talents of its actors and the timeless appeal of its story. While it is a product of its time, it continues to resonate with audiences due to its blend of comedic intrigue, clever writing, and classic performances.