The Barefoot Contessa

Harry Dawes, once a celebrated movie director, now finds himself struggling to make ends meet. He is forced to work under the demanding and ambitious businessman Kirk Edwards, who aims to produce a glamorous new film.

In search of a stunning leading lady for Kirk's new film, Harry and Kirk travel from Rome to a vibrant nightclub in Madrid. It is here that they discover the enchanting dancer Maria Vargas, who immediately captivates Harry's interest.

Maria Vargas is a spirited woman who leads a carefree life, often going barefoot. Although she admires Harry's past work, she holds a strong disdain for Kirk and initially tries to flee from their conversation.

Harry, determined to have Maria join their project, tracks her down to her family home. He manages to persuade her to come to the United States, offering her a chance to launch her cinematic career.

With Harry's direction and the slick publicist Oscar Muldoon's help, Maria's film debut becomes an immense success. This achievement not only catapults Maria to stardom but also revitalizes Harry's fading career.

During a gathering at Maria's home, Kirk and the dashing playboy Alberto Bravano clash over their affections for her. Alberto invites Maria to join him on his yacht in the glamorous Riviera, stirring Kirk's jealousy.

Feeling stifled by Kirk's controlling nature, Maria accepts Alberto's invitation. Meanwhile, Oscar Muldoon decides to shift his loyalty to Alberto, tired of being in Kirk's shadow.

At the Monte Carlo Casino, after losing a significant amount, Alberto publicly lashes out at Maria. This escalates into a confrontation with Count Vincenzo Torlato-Favrini, who stands up for her and escorts her away.

Maria finds solace in the company of Count Vincenzo and his widowed sister Eleanora. Their romance blooms, leading to an extravagant wedding ceremony where Harry serves as the best man.

Despite their romantic union, the reality of Vincenzo's lineage looms over them. He keeps his impotence a secret from Maria, which threatens the continuation of his noble bloodline.

Months later, Maria confides in Harry about her husband's impotence and reveals her shocking news: she is pregnant by another man. Determined to secure the future of the Torlato-Favrini name, she plans to tell her husband.

After their conversation, Harry follows Vincenzo, who is tailing Maria. He arrives too late to prevent a calamity, witnessing Vincenzo in a furious rage, fatally shooting both Maria and her lover before she can disclose her pregnancy.

The tragic narrative reaches its conclusion at Maria's funeral, echoing her unfulfilled dreams. As Harry grapples with the loss, flashbacks recount the series of events that led to this heartbreaking finale.

The aftermath of the murder results in Vincenzo's arrest by the police, marking the end of a tragic love story filled with ambition, passion, and the high cost of desires.