The Barefoot Contessa
1954 film by Joseph L. Mankiewicz · Released 1954
The Barefoot Contessa is a 1954 romantic drama film written and directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz about the life and loves of fictional Spanish sex symbol Maria Vargas. It stars Humphrey Bogart, Ava Gardner, and Edmond O'Brien. The plot focuses on social positioning and power politics within the world of film and high society. For his performance, O'Brien won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor and the corresponding Golden Globe.
Cast ages when filming began (January 1954)
- Ava Gardner, as Maria Vargas: 31
- Humphrey Bogart, as Harry Dawes: 54
- Edmond O'Brien, as Oscar Muldoon: 38
- Valentina Cortese: 31
- Rossano Brazzi, as Count Vincenzo Torlato-Favrini: 37
- Franco Interlenghi, as Pedro Vargas: 22
- Alberto Rabagliati, as nightclub proprietor: 47
- Marius Goring, as Alberto Bravano: 41
- Elizabeth Sellars, as Jerry Dawes: 30
- Warren Stevens, as Kirk Edwards: 34
- Mari Aldon, as Myrna: 28
- Renato Chiantoni, as Maria's father: 47
- Bessie Love, as Mrs: 55
- Tonio Selwart, as the pretender: 57
- Enzo Staiola, as busboy: 14
- Maria Zanoli, as Maria's mother: 57