Come September (1961) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The movie takes place on the Ligurian coast of Italy, at a luxurious villa owned by American millionaire Robert Talbot. The setting features stunning seaside scenery, colorful villages, and Mediterranean climate, creating a picturesque backdrop for the romantic comedy.

• ligurian coast
• italy
• villa
• setting
• location

The story occurs during the summer season, specifically in September, with references to a previous encounter in July. The film is set in the 1960s, reflecting the era of mid-20th century European summer holidays popular among wealthy American travelers.

• summer
• september
• 1960s
• time period
• era

The primary theme is love and romance, exploring romantic entanglements and emotional growth. The characters navigate complex relationships, from fleeting affairs to serious commitments, highlighting themes of passion, desire, and the pursuit of genuine personal fulfillment.

• love
• romance
• relationships
• theme
• passion

Deception and identity are central themes, primarily through Maurice's elaborate scheme to run the villa as a hotel. Characters pretend to be someone they are not, leading to humorous and heartfelt revelations about self-identity and the gap between appearance and truth.

• deception
• identity
• masquerade
• theme
• secret

Robert Talbot is a wealthy American businessman who owns the Italian villa. He is portrayed as caring but somewhat naive, seeking meaningful connection beyond his annual romantic affairs. He struggles with loneliness and desires genuine love, making him a sympathetic figure in the romantic comedy.

• robert talbot
• millionaire
• protagonist
• character

Lisa Fellini is a glamorous woman who is Robert Talbot's longtime girlfriend. She is preparing for marriage but finds herself torn between her committed relationship and her genuine feelings for Robert. She is portrayed as confident, independent, and ultimately seeks authentic happiness beyond social expectations.

• lisa fellini
• girlfriend
• romance
• character

Maurice Clavell is the crafty majordomo who manages the villa. He transforms the estate into a makeshift hotel housing young American girls, running the operation with charm and cunning. His manipulations aim to keep his job and maintain the facade while juggling the competing needs of his boss and the guests.

• maurice clavell
• majordomo
• manager
• hotel
• character

Sandy Stevens is a college girl and psychology student who becomes involved in the romantic complications at the villa. She is depicted as naive but perceptive, genuinely caring for her friends while trying to understand love and virtue through her academic studies.

• sandy stevens
• college student
• psychology
• character

Tony is a lively college boy who arrives at the villa with a mischievous streak. He attempts romantic advances on the young women staying at the hotel, adding humor and youthful chaos to the story. He embodies the impulsive, energetic nature of youth against the more成熟 mature characters.

• tony
• college boy
• youthful energy
• character

Maurice, the majordomo, turns the estate into a makeshift hotel, housing a group of young American girls who arrive for summer vacation. This deception forms the comedic premise of the film, as Robert arrives early to find his private retreat transformed into a bustling hotel.

• villa
• hotel
• maurice
• deception
• premise

The central romantic conflict arises when Robert discovers his longtime girlfriend Lisa has decided to marry someone else. This betrayal of their arrangement, combined with the chaotic hotel situation, creates the emotional stakes for the film's romantic comedy resolution.

• romantic conflict
• love triangle
• marriage
• jealousy
• plot