The Barefoot Contessa (1954 Joseph Mankiewicz & scr)

A literate script - does that mean some of the dialogue scenes go on too long? - which was Oscar nominated. Follows (copies?) Minnelli's The Bad and the Beautiful (1952) in film world milieu and rotating points of view of three of the characters involved - a good structural idea.

Ava Gardner is the titular star in the making, who can't get over her background. The narrators are friend with integrity, writer-director Humphrey Bogart, PR man with a fine line in bullshit Edmond O'Brien (won Oscar) and wistful Count Rossano Brazzi (a sort of  shoo-in for any fifties Hollywood film needing an Italian romantic lead).

It's a studio-bound film (though thought that was Portofino near the end? - if so Bogart is handily placed to be in Italy for Beat the Devil - or, he already was) despite Spain, Riviera etc settings. Expansive cast includes Marius Goring, Valentina Cortese (Brazzi's sister), Elizabeth Sellars (Bogie's wife), Warren Stevens (chilly money man).

Shot in a distinctive hue by Jack Cardiff (our MGM DVD release is in 4x3), scored by Mario Nascimbene, edited by William Hornbeck. An independent (Figaro) production.

vs.

Looks like it was shot open matte. (The above from the Eureka Blu-Ray, thanks DVDBeaver.)

My favourite bit - Ava's opening dance where we see nothing at all of her but just the spectators - who all have little stories going on.