Woman of Straw

In the 1964 film Woman of Straw, Gina Lollobrigida portrays Maria, a wealthy and manipulative woman who will do anything to get what she wants. The film also stars Sean Connery as Anthony, Maria's handsome and charming butler, and Ralph Richardson as Charles, Maria's aging uncle.

The film begins with Maria learning that her uncle Charles is dying and will soon leave her his entire fortune. Maria, however, needs the money now, and so she concocts a plan to get it. She enlists Anthony's help in convincing Charles to change his will and leave the money to her immediately. Anthony is hesitant to participate in the scheme, but Maria uses her seductive charms to convince him to help her.

Once Charles changes his will, Maria reveals her true nature. She neglects Charles, puts him through physical and emotional abuse, and draws Anthony into a web of lies and deceit. Maria spends the money recklessly, and Charles eventually takes notice of her behavior. He threatens to cut her off, causing Maria to panic and resort to drastic measures.

The film's thrilling climax takes place on a yacht, where Maria attempts to carry out her plan to kill Charles and escape with the money. However, Anthony begins to have doubts about Maria's true intentions, leading to a dramatic showdown between the three characters.

Throughout the film, Lollobrigida's performance as the ruthless and manipulative Maria is particularly noteworthy. Her character is complex and multifaceted, and the audience is never quite sure what Maria's true motivations are. Connery also shines as Anthony, balancing the character's loyalty and love for Maria with his growing realization of her true nature. Richardson's portrayal of Charles is equally riveting, particularly in the scenes where he confronts Maria about her behavior.

The film's cinematography is also noteworthy, particularly in the scenes on the yacht as Maria and Charles engage in a tense verbal sparring match. The tension is palpable, and the audience is left on the edge of their seat wondering what will happen next.

Overall, Woman of Straw is a captivating thriller filled with complex characters and intricate plot twists. It is a testament to the acting talents of its stars, particularly Lollobrigida, who delivers a powerful performance as the film's villain. It is a must-see for fans of classic cinema and lovers of suspenseful thrillers.