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IMDb > The Black Orchid (1958)

The Black Orchid (1958) More at IMDbPro »

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Overview

User Rating:
6.3/10   232 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Up 12% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Writer:
Joseph Stefano (writer)
Contact:
View company contact information for The Black Orchid on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
24 March 1959 (West Germany) more
Genre:
Tagline:
More than a story of love... a story of life!
Plot:
After mobsters murder her husband, Rose Bianco works long hours making artificial flowers, to support herself and her son... more | add synopsis
Awards:
1 win & 1 nomination more
User Comments:
Bland melodrama. more (8 total)

Cast

  (Complete credited cast)

Sophia Loren ... Rose Bianco

Anthony Quinn ... Frank Valente

Peter Mark Richman ... Noble
Virginia Vincent ... Alma Gallo
Frank Puglia ... Henry Gallo
Jimmy Baird ... Ralph Bianco

Naomi Stevens ... Guilia Gallo
Whit Bissell ... Mr. Harmon
Robert Carricart ... Priest
Joe Di Reda ... Joe
Jack Washburn ... Tony Bianco
Ina Balin ... Mary Valente
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Additional Details

Runtime:
Brazil:94 min | USA:96 min | Argentina:98 min
Country:
Language:
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
Sophia Loren was 23 years old during filming, only 10 years older than the actor playing her juvenile son. more
Quotes:
Frank Valente: Working at night? Even God doesn't work at night.
Rose Bianco: To make a living people do many things God doesn't do.
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Movie Connections:

FAQ

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4 out of 9 people found the following comment useful.
Bland melodrama., 7 August 2002
Author: dbdumonteil

Martin Ritt has always been a director concerned by social problems:racism,illiteracy,the lot of workers and trade unionism,juvenile delinquency.And some of his works are commendable:"Stanley and Iris","Norma Rae" "edge of the city" to name but three.

This is the latter subject we find here:Ralphie ,whose late father was a gangster has been sent to a reform school.His mother (Loren) wants to marry an honest man (Quinn).But they've got to reckon with the guy's offspring who's not prepared to accept that.We deal with a "serious" sitcom which drowns out Ralphie's character.Sophia Loren 's portrayal is minimal,and Quinn cannot make up for it.The supporting cast,particularly Quinn's daughter,her fiancé and her confidant,has no presence at all.

Get Douglas Sirk's "imitation of life" instead if you think melodrama can be great art!

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