Hepburn has never been lovelier or more vulnerable.

dated and stereotypical

Katharine Hepburn is fantastic as a lonely woman who reluctantly begins an affair, only to find it's not what she expected. Unfortunately Rossano Brazzi's performance doesn't live up to Hepburn's standards, but it is a wonderful film anyway. Despondency pervades the romance though it is somewhat fleeting, and even so this is a delightful watch. There are many little moments of illicit subversion, and the Technicolor is gorgeous. The film is truly a showcase for Venice; I just ate up the scenery.

David Lean's second worst film. It's just not particularly engaging or interesting in any way. It looks really pretty though, beautiful technicolor. The acting is also a bit sub-par. Disappointing.

Way below par for David Lean. Katharine Hepburn seems to be all teeth and no face in this one

Delightful, sympathetic travelogue with dramatic asides, great to look at and hinging on a single superb performance.

Hepburn and Lean lift this from mediocrity into something almost special. Hepburn's performance is superb, telling us as much about her character in reactions as in words, and Lean captures the beauty, and the failings, of Venice with a sharp eye. The story itself, however, is rather conventional and occasionally frustrating, and none of the supporting cast is memorable at all.

An mature, melancholy take on a familiar plot - old girl loosens up and lets go on a Mediterranean holiday. Hepburn is surprisingly raw in her ravishing dresses and smart pumps. But what a packer to get all that stuff into three little suitcases!