
The
film starts when as the 1959 Merlin Law has shut down Italy's legal
brothels, forcing many prostitutes to figure out how to change
careers. If made now, this would probably be about four internet
marketers forced into prostitution by the dot-com bust or economic
collapse. (Evidently, this law is still in effect banning organized
prostitution. The more you know, eh?) As the film opens, the girls
are having the same conversation set to “Hard Candy Christmas” in
THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS. They've just finished their last
night and tomorrow start new lives. Ringleader Adua (Simone Signoret,
fresh from winning an Oscar) brings some old associates together to
turn a run-down old country building into a restaurant. While catty
to one another, they get down to the dirty work or rehabbing their
new home and business. For all the flaring tempers they should
probably name the place “Over Our Heads.”
When
obstacles prevent opening their restaurant, they turn to Dr. Ercoli,
a local “fixer” who'll make the license happen, but only for a
price. His caveat, of course, is they return to their old line of
work upstairs, while the restaurant runs downstairs. I've no idea
what a million Lira amounted to in 1960, but they'll owe him that
every month. Judging by Adua's expression, she's a bit daunted. They
carry on, but know the past will eventually come knocking.
With a
restaurant that's slowly becoming successful, and the attentions of
car salesman Piero (Marcello Mastroianni), Adua and the girls adjust
to their new lives. One starts a new romance, another reconnects with
her young son (even though she's a terrible parent). Each of their
journeys are surprisingly affecting,and the film skirts
sentimentality without ever falling into that trap. Their story ends
in a realistic place, though not necessarily a happy one, as their
bill finally comes due.
I'm
ashamed to say the only other Italian film from this period I'd seen
was “8 1/2,” but I was absolutely absorbed by ADUA E LE COMPAGNE.
Each actress is good, but Signoret is mesmerizing even when badly
dubbed. The film doesn't sensationalize or pander by focusing on the
sexual possibilities of the story. Instead, the focus is on the
characters and the choices they have to make in changing times. The
circumstances may be different, but forced and unexpected career
change is something many can relate to these days.
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