What a sweet little romantic movie this is! Situated on Rome's outskirts on late 19th century, Young Corrado (an unrecognizably young Mario Girotti a.k.a. Terence Hill) is a high school student who wants to be an archaeologist; he is accepted by Professor Manfredi (Richard Basehart) as his assistant. Young Corrado is fascinated by the man, who is attractive, intelligent and educated (and single!). Corrado takes him home to dinner and meet his mother, who happens to be a beautiful young window (Marta Toren). Professor and mother fall for each other instantly in a tender scene with some beautifully arranged Mozart based music. Corrado is busy flirting with a sort of cougar, a Contessa, and also dealing with his tender sweetheart. But he finally realizes that mother is having the time of his life with the Professor. At new year's eve ball Corrado sees his mother kissing professor Manfredi and he goes mad with jealousy; he runs away; mother feels awfully guilty and she and professor break away with deep sadness even if they confess their mutual love. Luckily our spoiled brat is good hearted and he learns a thing or two about true love, he comes to his senses and accepts his mother's right to be happy with Manfredi. He realizes mom is a woman and that he'll gain an ideal father figure. End of the story. It's quite simple, but the movie is so beautifully directed and photographed, has gorgeously looking exterior and interior sets, and it's so well acted by beautiful people, that it's a delight to watch. Not a classic a la Fellini, but well worth to catch it.
Review of La vena d'oro
