Three Coins in the Fountain parents guide

Three Coins in the Fountain Parent Guide

Overall B-

Three American women (played by Dorothy McGuire, Jean Peters, and Maggie McNamara) are living in Rome and looking for love. After hearing the rumors about the wish granting powers of the Fountain of Trevi, a couple of them decide to test the superstition and see if it might improve their romantic prospects.

Release date June 2, 1954

Violence B
Sexual Content B
Profanity A-
Substance Use C

Why is Three Coins in the Fountain rated Not Rated? The MPAA rated Three Coins in the Fountain Not Rated

Run Time: 102 minutes

Parent Movie Review

Rome may be one of the most romantic spots in the world but love still eludes three American secretaries working in the Italian capital—even after two of them throw coins in the famous Trevi fountain, known for granting wishes.

Giving up on the possibility of passion, Anita Hutchins (Jean Peters) has given notice at the U.S. foreign government office where she works and is planning to return to the States. Then one of the local translators in her office (Rossano Brazzi) reveals the feelings he’s kept hidden from her. While Georgio’s family is thrilled to meet the pretty American, the couple’s boss, Mr. Burgoyne (Howard St. John), isn’t happy about the revelation. As far as he is concerned, their relationship violates office policy and as a result Georgio loses his job.

Meanwhile Maria Williams (Maggie McNamara) has just arrived in Rome to replace Anita. Soon afterwards, she lays eyes on Prince Dino di Cessi (Louis Jourdan), who is known for his womanizing ways. To get his attention, she discovers everything she can about the handsome royal and lies to him about her own interests. It all goes well until he discovers her deception.

Finally after 15 years of working for a reclusive expatriate author (Clifton Webb), Miss Frances (Dorothy McGuire) sadly surrenders to the fact that her love will never be returned by the oblivious novelist. With little hope for a happily-ever-after, the three women pack their bags in anticipation of a return flight home.

Nominated for Best Picture in 1955 and awarded Oscars for Best Cinematography and Best Music, Original Song, Three Coins in The Fountain moves at a meandering pace and fails to integrate the three women’s stories, choosing instead to tell one story at a time. With depictions of smoking, alcohol use and some brief sexual innuendo, the film contains less content than many modern romantic comedies but does little to develop this cast of characters. Luckily the beautiful, panoramic shots of the Italian landscape and celebrated landmarks offer an inviting diversion to the sluggish script in this classic cinematic release.

Directed by Jean Negulesco. Starring Clifton Webb, Dorothy McGuire, Jean Peters, Louis Jourdan. Running time: 102 minutes. Theatrical release June 2, 1954. Updated

Three Coins in the Fountain
Rating & Content Info

Why is Three Coins in the Fountain rated Not Rated? Three Coins in the Fountain is rated Not Rated by the MPAA

Alcohol consumption and cigarette use are common in this film. When a character discovers he has a terminal illness, he goes on a drinking spree. Another character also turns to liquor after experiencing a disappointment. Couples kiss on several occasions. A man pinches a woman. A man questions whether two adults are engaging in premarital sex. A woman is in an accident after her out of control vehicle drives down a steep road.

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Three Coins in the Fountain Parents' Guide

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Home Video

The most recent home video release of Three Coins in the Fountain movie is November 2, 2004. Here are some details…

Release Date: 2 November 2004

Three Coins in The Fountain splashes onto DVD with the following extra features:

- Audio Commentary: Jeanine Basinger

- Restoration Comparison

- Fox Movie Tone News, Studio Classics and Academy Awards

- Three trailers.

Related home video titles:

Director Jean Negulesco worked on the movie The Best of Everything, another tale of single women looking for love. Roman Holiday is also set in Italy. Coins and a fountain play a part in the romantic affairs of a young woman When In Rome.

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