A Man About the House (1947)

A Man About the House: Directed by Leslie Arliss. With Margaret Johnston, Dulcie Gray, Kieron Moore, Guy Middleton. Agnes and Ellen Isit, two poor English sisters, unexpectedly inherit from their uncle a rich estate near Naples, complete with big villa and manly Italian majordomo. The latter, Salvatore, makes use of his Latin charm to seduce Agnes, who soon turns from prim spinster to passionate lover. Ellen observes the romance with amusement first before realizing how little considerate Salvatore becomes after marrying Agnes. Worse, Agnes’s health starts deteriorating. Worried about her sister, she contacts Dr. Ben Dench, a family friend…

“Sisters Margaret Johnston (Agmes) and Dulcie Gray (Ellen) inherit a villa and some land in Naples and head on over to check it out. Their reserved Britishness contrasts markedly with the Italian way of life and new head of household Kieran Moore (Salvatore). He likes the ladies! He is also keen on one day winning back all land that once belonged to his family. And he has a plan.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe film has a location setting in Naples which gives authenticity to the proceedings as well as having an uncredited Gina Lollobrigida in the cast. It definitely has an Italian flavour. Dulcie Gray adapts to the new life but Johnston is a fish out of water. What on earth is an egg flip? Whatever it is, Johnston drinks her fair share. The cast are good although Iu0026#39;m not sure about doctor Guy Middleton (Ben) and his chances in a fight against a hardened labourer. No way, pal. The ending to this film is not what you may anticipate.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eSo, where would you choose to live? Rainy North Bromwich with its High Street or a villa in Naples overlooking spectacular scenery? Tough call. I think the sisters got it right.”