Escapade in Florence
Escapade in Florence is a two-part episode of the Disneyland television show which was released theatrically in some countries. Walt Disney described it as a "two-part teenage comedy adventure" which was "international in flavor".[1] The show first aired on September 30 and October 7, 1962, and was repeated in June 1963 and June 1969.[2]
Escapade in Florence | |
---|---|
Directed by | Steve Previn |
Produced by | Bill Anderson |
Written by | Maurice Tombragel Bob Wehling |
Based on | the 1957 novel The Golden Doors by Edward Fenton |
Starring | Tommy Kirk Annette Funicello Nino Castelnuovo Clelia Matania Venantino Venantini Ivan Desny |
Music by | Buddy Baker |
Cinematography | Kurt Grigoleit |
Production company | Walt Disney Studios |
Distributed by | Buena Vista |
Release date |
|
Running time | 81 minutes |
Country | United States |
Language | English |
Plot
Mystery and suspense follow Annette Funicello and Tommy Kirk as they play students studying in the enchanting city of Florence, Italy. As the two find romance among the city's magnificent art and architecture, they discover that her paintings are at the center of an elaborate art forgery ring involving Florence's most treasured masterpieces. Danger soon finds them when they uncover the mastermind behind the plot and they're thrown into an ancient dungeon. It's now up to Annette to save the day, but will help arrive in time?
Cast
- Tommy Kirk as Tommy Carpenter
- Annette Funicello as Annette Aliotto
- Nino Castelnuovo as Bruno
- Clelia Matania as Aunt Gisella
- Venantino Venantini as Lorenzo
- Ivan Desny as Count Roberto
- Odoardo Spadaro as Padrone
- Carlo Rizzo as Uncle Mario
- Renzo Palmer as Carabiniere
- Richard Watson as Butler
- Helen Stirling as Miss Brooks
- Ivan Triesault as Professor Levenson
Production
The film was based on a book by Edward Fenton called The Golden Doors which was published in July 1957.[3] Disney bought the rights in December 1957.[4]
In May 1959 Winston Miller was writing a script for producer William Anderson.[5]
It was shot on location in Florence, Italy. Shooting finished May 1962.[6] Funicello wrote that Italy was her favourite ever location.[7]
Release
The Monthly Film Bulletin called it "an almost perfect example of its genre - straightforward story, likeable young protagonists, some good rough and tumble with the hero's skill in jiu jitsu coming in useful, pleasant songs, a general happy atmosphere, and a strong location background."[8]
Diabolique said it "very much puts Kirk front and center, and he is charming as an American abroad getting into hijinks with art thieves."[9]
The film was released in September 2013 on DVD via the Disney Movie Club Exclusives.[10][11]
Comic book adaption
References
- Disney Paints Bright Picture Disney, Walt. Los Angeles Times March 25, 1962: D4
- Cotter, Bill (1997). The Wonderful World of Disney Television. Hyperion Books. pp. 108, 526. ISBN 0-7868-6359-5.
- Varied Fare in Summer Titles for Youngsters Los Angeles Times 21 July 1957: E6.
- BY WAY OF REPORT: Disney Plans Two New Films--Other Items By A.H. WEILER. New York Times 22 Dec 1957: 51.
- 'Top of the World' Reached by Quinn: Moviemakers Venture Afield; Disney Swings 'Golden Doors' Scheuer, Philip K. Los Angeles Times 21 May 1959: A11.
- NOTED ON THE ITALIAN SCENE: At Home Abroad Works in Progress Double Duties By ROBERT F. HAWKINS. New York Times 13 May 1962: X7.
- Funicello, Annette; Bashe, Patricia Romanowski (1994). A dream is a wish your heart makes : my story. Hyperion. p. 131.
- ESCAPADE IN FLORENCE Monthly Film Bulletin; London Vol. 30, Iss. 348, (Jan 1, 1963): 65.
- Vagg, Stephen (September 9, 2019). "The Cinema of Tommy Kirk". Diabolique Magazine.
- "Archived copy". Archived from the original on September 21, 2013. Retrieved August 28, 2013.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- "Archived copy". Archived from the original on September 26, 2013. Retrieved September 22, 2013.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- "Gold Key: Escapade in Florence". Grand Comics Database.