This is a dark and sometimes deeply uncomfortable drama

This is a gorgeous movie made by a gorgeous spirit.

An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

.Like the great film, it's made with a great deal of visible affection both in front of and behind the camera.

I remember watching this movie as a child and falling in love with Sophia Loren. She was beautiful, proud and more importantly, independent! When I grew up, I wanted to be her! It's taken me until 40, but now I can say I have hopefully finally gained the "Sophia Loren" attitude! No, this isn't an Academy Award winner, it's just fun! (And if you have young daughters, they'll love this fairy tale!) I also must say that although I saw Omar Sharif in many wonderful movies, I will always remember him in this one. It was a little lighter fare than his normal "leading man" role and he seemed to enjoy the banter with Loren. (Of course, what man wouldn't?) I am buying a copy of this movie for my collection and am having a girl night with my 8-year old niece and her friends very soon. You don't have to worry about nudity, language, etc. (even though Loren has been known for her racy roles.) Check it out!

Creepy witches in the bush , evil scary Princesses , Flying Monks, Sofia Loren in a barrel, dish washing competitions and a cast of a thousand chickens. Whats not to like . This is such a way out bizarre take on the fairy princess story it really should be held aloft and worshiped. And for all you sickos Omar Sharif drinks a cup of urine.Strangely enough its a favorite of my whole family.In the early 80's this movie came on every school holidays and then it vanished . It was so strange I almost thought I'd dreamed it, until it resurfaced on TCM. I was quite surprised how well it held up . Like most films watched when your a child the ideas distort, but its just as I remember , the princesses are still as creepy as ever, and the girl still gets the guy . Pleases MGM release it on DVD ya gotta love it

The first several minutes of this film consist of a syrupy song performed by Roger Miller's orchestra and Singers while blurry 60's visual effects light the screen. Remaining viewers then spy Sharif, a Spanish prince, taming a wild white stallion as his mother screams at him that it's time to get married. When he thinks he's broken the horse, he takes off riding, but soon discovers that his job wasn't fully completed. He stumbles upon a flying monk (perhaps an ancestor of Sally Field?) who gives him a sack of flour, telling him that whichever woman bakes seven dumplings out of it that Sharif is unable to fully eat, will be the correct wife for him. When Sharif finds his horse, it has been commandeered by curvy peasant Loren, who is persuaded to bake him the dumplings. What follows is a lengthy game of give-and-take, hit-and-miss and misunderstanding as this couple attempts to discover if they are in fact meant to be together. Some of it, including a notably vivid dish-washing scene, is rather captivating. Some of it, like the endless segues into various locales and with various townsfolk, is pretty dull, sometimes even annoying, as with the ancient witch (and her coven) who aligns herself with Loren. One highly remarkable scene, however, is one in which thousands of eggs are simultaneously hatched, revealing an army of little yellow chicks. This impressive scene alone makes the film worth a glance. Others may check in to see Sharif at his peak and Loren close to hers. Unfortunately, the couple's love seems to come from a mandate in the script versus any organic chemistry between the two. It remains to be seen why Loren would have such a yen for a man who would soundly strike a woman hard across the face, but maybe times were different then. Del Rio makes one of her very last appearances as Sharif's mother and adds the touch of authoritative glamour needed for the part. Many other parts are ably acted, but intrusively dubbed into English. Witch Liotti's voice is actually painful to listen to. One of the chief assets is the roaming countryside and the use of rich and authentic looking locations. There are also some eye-popping costumes displayed by a bevy of eligible princesses who long to be chosen by Sharif. It's a fractured fairy tale that may appeal to fans of the stars, but otherwise comes off as disjointed and even a little humiliating.

I thought this was a really good movie. It was romantic tale with a wonderful and hopeful happy ending. The lead characters (Sophia Loren and Omar Sharif) had great sexual chemistry. It's an adult fairy, (of course, look at the leads) and yet kids could still watch it. I gave it a 9 out 10 only because it gets just a bit boring in the middle, but the movie prevails in the ends. Especially when during the dishwashing scene.