This movie demonstrates the wide range in the genius of George Cukor. It is a country, rustic story where all the action is inside the characters and the outside is illustrating what goes on inside their minds and hearts. Ana Magnani is Gioia, superb as the second wife to Anthony Quinn's Gino, a farmer that was widowed form her sister Rosana and is seeking consolation for her death in her physical resemblance to her sister. This obviously starts the marriage on the wrong foot and it is only a matter of time before Gino's foreman, Anthony Franciosa's Bene gravitates to the volcanic personality, of Gioia that is as much a force of nature as the beautiful wild black horse that Gino captures for her as a present, but that when is tamed she sadly remarks "he was a horse, but is now a sheep" understanding that what made him most beautiful was his freedom. Nature itself is one of the important characters in the film, introducing the action, as in the appearance of the wild horses, or illustrating feelings in the characters as for example when Gioia witnesses the birth of a lamb.Anthony Quinn and Ana Magnani give perhaps the best performance of both their careers in very nuanced, expressive characterizations down to the smallest detail or facial expression.The supporting characters are all superb, Joseph Calleia as Gino's patient, understanding brother Alberto, Dolores Hart is outstanding as Gino's daughter Angela "Angie" who wants to welcome Gioia and makes her be part of the family form the first encounter though they can hardly communicate in English and Lili Valenty is appropriately resigned, home-obsessed and judgmental as Teresa, Alberto's wife.

Along with her Oscar winning role in "The Rose Tattoo", this is another great acting job by Anna Magnanni. The story involves a love triangle and a very adult theme. Produced in 1957, I saw this movie on the AMC movie channel several years ago and quickly fell in love with it. Being Italian myself, I really enjoyed hearing it spoke often during the movie. Anna Magnanni actually sings at one point, and I might add very well! I have constantly been checking the Internet for news of it's release, but to no luck. Does anyone know where can one find a copy of this movie to purchase? It deserves to be on DVD, but I'll settle for a VHS copy at this point. Thank you very much.

Its not enough to say that Johnny Mathis sings the title song over the opening credits.With Cukor directing this grand meeting of Anthony Quinn and Anna Magnani thats says enough.The plot has its melodramatic moments for sure and its another film with the wonderful Dolores Hart who only a few years alter would become a nun.This also has the merits of Anthony Franciosca really playing his best role for many years in films.Franciosca, falls for Magnani in a lustful way while Quinn is away from the ranch.Its really the sweeping scenes and the acting of Quinn and Magnani that moves the film.Looking back , it would have been a treasure to see Magnani act in more US Films ( The Rose Tattoo) but that didn't happen. Finally , in her eyes we see how she made " Open City" ( Rosselini) a memorable film. Produced by the best...Hal Wallis CP

A sheep rancher (Anthony Quinn) marries his sister-in-law (Anna Magnani)from Italy, but she falls in love with his son instead. A slow-moving, over-acted melodrama with no surprises. It earned an Oscar nomination for the title song.