NATALIE WOOD has probably never been more appealing than she is as a young Italian girl facing the problem of unwed motherhood after a brief affair with a man of equally modest means, STEVE McQUEEN. The simple story revolves around the situation of a girl whose pregnancy prompts her boyfriend to suggest an abortion because he's unwilling to commit himself to a relationship.
It being the 1960s, the issues are played and discussed in the context of the time which may make the film seem dated now. But it's played with such charm by the two leads and given such a gritty, believable New York City background flavor that the result is a romantic comedy/drama that should appeal to any discriminating movie fan.
Although there are some good supporting roles, notably EDIE ADAMS as a showgirl friend, director Robert Mulligan keeps the focus on Natalie and Steve and they're so strong that they make us feel it's a two-character film deserving of all their attention.
Natalie's Academy Award nomination was well deserved. She's as sensitive and appealing as ever and McQueen makes an excellent co-star.
It being the 1960s, the issues are played and discussed in the context of the time which may make the film seem dated now. But it's played with such charm by the two leads and given such a gritty, believable New York City background flavor that the result is a romantic comedy/drama that should appeal to any discriminating movie fan.
Although there are some good supporting roles, notably EDIE ADAMS as a showgirl friend, director Robert Mulligan keeps the focus on Natalie and Steve and they're so strong that they make us feel it's a two-character film deserving of all their attention.
Natalie's Academy Award nomination was well deserved. She's as sensitive and appealing as ever and McQueen makes an excellent co-star.