Il segno di Venere (The Sign of Venus). 1955. Italy. Directed by Dino Risi. Screenplay by Dino Risi, Franca Valeri, Ennio Flaiano, Edoardo Anton. With Sophia Loren, Franca Valeri, Vittorio de Sica . In Italian; English subtitles. 101 min.
“Risi’s first commercial success was the ironic comedy The Sign of Venus, scripted by Zavattini and Risi among others. Sophia Loren plays Agnese, who attracts men and wishes she didn’t; Franca Valeri her cousin Cesira, who does not attract men and wishes she did. Vittorio De Sica is a Micawberish poet, short of cash but rich in amorous praise and gesture, Alberto Sordi contributes a memorable sketch as a desperate dealer in stolen cars, and Raf Vallone is an honest fireman. Vestiges of the neorealistic style survive in the sharp observation of everyday Roman life, and most critics were delighted by the film” (from the Dino Risi entry in World Film Directors). New 35mm print courtesy Luce Cinecittà.