The Sensuous Nurse

The Sensuous Nurse, originally released in Italy in 1975, and directed by Nello Rossati, is a risqué comedy that combines elements of romance, drama, and farce. Don't let the title fool you, its humor and ingenious storyline create an intriguing experience for adult viewers, while the attractive cinematography showcases Italy's rural beauty.

The delightful plot revolves around the character of Anna, played by the stunning Ursula Andress, who is perhaps most renowned for her outstanding portrayal of Honey Ryder in the James Bond film, Dr. No. Anna, a beguiling and voluptuous woman, is hired as a private nurse for a wealthy, ailing Italian wine baron, Leonida Bottacin, portrayed by Mario Pisu. The hope is that her seductiveness will lead to a heart attack, setting the stage for a perfectly planned inheritance scheme orchestrated by Bottacin’s greedy family.

This unconventional comedy operates on the concept of death-by-pleasure, as the family bank on the elderly Bottacin drawing his last breath while succumbing to the infatuations of the sensuous nurse. Circulating around this scheme are Bottacin's grim-faced lawyer, Gustavo, played by Duilio Del Prete, and the rest of his conniving relatives, all awaiting their anticipated fortunes.

Andress, in her role as Anna, brings spark and energy to every scene she inhabits. Her character is not just a simplistic seductress, but a woman with conflicting feelings and heart, who brings depth and vulnerability, making her more relatable. The audience watches as she develops unexpected and complex relationships with the other characters, particularly with Gustavo, the lawyer.

The Sensuous Nurse infuses comic moments into the narrative through its ensemble cast. The parts played by the rest of the household: a driver, a gardener, and a whimsical boy, all contribute to the film's farcical undertone, setting up scenes of lust, jealousy, rivalry, and hilarious misunderstandings. This mix of sexual innuendo and humor softens the potentially crude theme, turning it to a more amusing spectacle.

The filmmaker deserves commendation for the tasteful handling of potentially sensitive material. The protagonist's allure is implied and artfully portrayed, rather than being overtly exploited, and is balanced by subtle satire and dry wit making it a risqué comedy rather than an exploitation flick. The movie's depiction of the deceitful dynamics of a dysfunctional family offers an additional layer of intrigue to the narrative.

The film's vibrantly rich Italian setting adds another layer of lavish aesthetic appeal. From the sprawling vineyard to the palatial family mansion, the cinematography effortlessly showcases the rustic charm and beauty of Italian rural life. The visual allure of the film goes hand-in-hand with its plot, contributing to the sensory feast that is The Sensuous Nurse.

Not least to be mentioned is the catchy soundtrack that enhances the viewing experience. Composed by Gianfranco Plenizio, the music underpins the mood of the movie, adding a lively layer to the narrative, invoking the luscious Italian countryside, the mischief, the allure, and the poignant moments of the film.

Though a product of its era, The Sensuous Nurse, with its captivating story and charismatic performances, transcends time to offer audiences an entertaining experience. It combines a delightfully outrageous plot with well-structured comedic sequences and elements of romance. This rare Italian gem is more than a simple eye-candy film; its charm lies in its amusingly absurd narrative, the alluring performance by Ursula Andress, and the subtle satire of a greedy, dysfunctional family.

The Sensuous Nurse has an amusingly outrageous plot which appeals to those who can appreciate a comedy with a little twist. Providing more than just comedic retort, it exposes a satirical world, opening up into a narrative that reflects on human desire, materialism, and love. While it remains a film of its time, this distinctive Italian comedy continues to entertain with its unique blend of sensuality, humor, and drama.