Naked Maja (1959)

25% of users liked it
(13 ratings)

The slow pacing of this fanciful tale about the life and one reputed love of the Spanish artist Francisco Goya makes for an uneven drama. Anthony Franciosa is the artist, and Ava Gardner plays his paramour, the Duchess of Alba. While the Prime Minister of Spain schemes to betray his country to… More The slow pacing of this fanciful tale about the life and one reputed love of the Spanish artist Francisco Goya makes for an uneven drama. Anthony Franciosa is the artist, and Ava Gardner plays his paramour, the Duchess of Alba. While the Prime Minister of Spain schemes to betray his country to Napoleon's forces and the Spanish Inquisition is winding to a close (overplayed here) Goya is trying to survive the pangs of love he feels for the aloof Duchess. In reality, the artist was seriously ill during this period -- in the last decade of the 18th century -- and actually went deaf. But reality is set aside for high romance, as the pair of star-crossed lovers take center stage over art and politics. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 51 min.
Directed By: Henry Koster
Genres: Drama, Romance

On DVD: Dec 15, 1993

Critic Reviews

Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
It has as much going for it in depth as a kindergarten drawing.

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Featured Audience Ratings

jay n

Overheated melodramatics but Ava is at the height of her beauty. Beautiful color photography and sumptous sets add to the films appeal but it is still basically a soap opera.