I like The Counterfeit Contessa only for the last 25 minutes when the real Contessa made her entry. The rest of the movie is an unrealistic and boring effort. Granted that the title character wanted something so badly she was willing to live a lie to get it...or is that really the only way to get to her man? What are the motives of the other characters who aided her in her quest? Contessa Sofia di Sarzanello and Anthony Nordino gave life to this nice movie. Without them the movie is a crescendo of unrealistic acting culminating in the unconvincing cry scene by Gina Nordino at the end. In spite of this major weakness the movie is worth watching if only for the part played by the real Contessa.

I've loved this since I first saw it overseas, subtitled in Spanish!! Very funny without having to think to hard, but if you connect the dots and pay attention, there is a payoff...either off the cuff comments having some deeper meaning to the theme, or criss crossing comments that you have to catch the irony of, and you'll miss if you don't pay attention.I've watched this many times through, and still love finding new comedic nuances they throw in...though some are very broad and you don't have to "look" at all--they practically slap you upside the head!! Tea Leoni is her funny,sometimes smart, sometimes awkward,and always very winsome self. Holland Taylor (who plays the mother on two and a half men) is brilliantly typecast as the snobby mother of the snobby son on whom Ginny has the crush AND of the down-to-earth son played by D.W. Moffet, who is charming beyond words as the one who catches on to Ginny's charade. He really makes the zingers zing...The chemistry he has with Tea is undeniable. Between the two of them, you really get pulled in to the fun that never gets sappy.Sure wish I could buy it!!

I saw this movie when it came out in 1994 and I was very glad to have seen it recently on the WE network. I absolutely love this film. The chemistry between Tea Leoni and D.W. Moffett was extraordinary, not to mention the rest of the cast which is very rare to see that kind of chemistry work. D.W. Moffett's character Dawson was a goodhearted, down to earth, funny and savvy rich guy who never adopted his family's pretentiousness. Not only was Moffett good-looking in this role but he gave life to the character. He was the total dream guy and he played it to perfection. Although as my guy friends would call this a "Chick Flick" I think men would also find this movie a great time to watch. Not only will it spark the romantic in you but it will make you laugh. It's a shame they don't play this movie more often and even more a shame that it's not on sale to buy.

Counterfeit Contessa is a great movie because it makes you feel great about yourself. One of the few videos I will borrow again from the video store--an enjoyable movie for everyone. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED