

“The world's most beautiful animal!”
A washed-up filmmaker gets a second chance at stardom when he discovers stunning peasant Maria Vargas dancing in a Madrid nightclub. Goaded by his producer, the director convinces Maria to screen test for, and then star in, his next big picture. But as the producer's possessive nature and the realities of stardom weigh on Maria, she seeks a genuine lover with whom she can escape.

Humphrey Bogart
Harry Dawes
Lead
Ava Gardner
Maria Vargas

Edmond O'Brien
Oscar Muldoon

Marius Goring
Alberto Bravano

Valentina Cortese
Eleanora Torlato-Favrini

Rossano Brazzi
Count Vincenzo Torlato-Favrini

Elizabeth Sellars
Jerry

Warren Stevens
Kirk Edwards
“A staggering achievement of craft and ambition. Joseph L. Mankiewicz's vision lands with breathtaking precision.”
“Every frame feels alive. The Barefoot Contessa is the rare release that takes its audience seriously.”