Watch A Breath of Scandal

In the 1960 romantic comedy A Breath of Scandal, Sophia Loren stars as Princess Olympia, a stunningly beautiful aristocrat from a small European principality who finds herself at the center of a scandal. Maurice Chevalier co-stars as her uncle, Prince Phillipe, while John Gavin plays Paul, a young American who becomes unwittingly involved in Olympia's drama.

The film opens with Olympia arriving in Rome amidst great fanfare, where she is to be presented to the Pope. However, she quickly runs afoul of the city's gossips and paparazzi when a photograph of her kissing a young Italian gigolo is published in the papers. Fearing that the scandal will tarnish her family's reputation and jeopardize Olympia's arranged marriage to a wealthy widower, Phillipe dispatches his nephew, Dino (played by Christian Marquand), to Rome to retrieve Olympia and bring her back home.

However, Dino is not up to the task, and when he is distracted by a beautiful contessa, Olympia seizes the opportunity to escape and sets out to enjoy Rome on her own terms. Along the way, she meets Paul, an American newspaperman who is as captivated by her beauty and charm as everyone else. Paul and Olympia spend time together exploring the city, and although Olympia initially resists his advances, she soon finds herself falling for him as well.

Meanwhile, back in the principality, Phillipe is frantically trying to put out the fires of Olympia's scandal while also dealing with a potential political crisis. His desperate efforts are complicated by the fact that Olympia's marriage prospects are now in shambles, and he fears that she will never be able to find a suitable match. To make matters worse, Dino has returned from Rome with an unexpected guest – the gigolo who caused Olympia's scandal in the first place.

As Olympia and Paul's romance deepens, they must navigate a series of comical misunderstandings and miscommunications that threaten to separate them forever. Meanwhile, back in the principality, Phillipe is forced to come to terms with the changing values of a modern world while also trying to protect his family's legacy.

A Breath of Scandal is a delightful romantic comedy that showcases Sophia Loren's immense talent and charisma. Her portrayal of Olympia captures both her captivating beauty and her fierce independence, and she has wonderful chemistry with both Maurice Chevalier and John Gavin. For his part, Chevalier brings his signature charm and wit to the role of Phillipe, and his interactions with Loren are a delight to watch. John Gavin also shines as Paul, the charming but slightly clueless American who finds himself falling for Olympia despite the odds.

The film's Italian setting provides a gorgeous backdrop for the story, with stunning locations that include the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and the Pantheon. The colorful characters and witty dialogue give the film a lighthearted feel, while the themes of tradition versus modernity add depth and resonance to the story.

Overall, A Breath of Scandal is a timeless classic that still feels fresh and relevant today. It is a testament to the enduring appeal of Sophia Loren and the timeless charm of romantic comedies. Whether you are a fan of classic cinema or just looking for a fun and entertaining movie, A Breath of Scandal is the perfect choice.

A Breath of Scandal is a 1960 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5.