HotToastyRag Sometimes Hollywood makes bad casting decisions, casting an actor or actress who, no matter what they do, could never be believable in the role. For example, in 1970's Ryan's Daughter, Robert Mitchum was cast as a man so sexually unfulfilling that his wife cheats on him. It's just not believable. And, in 1972's King, Queen, Knave, Gina Lollobrigida cheats on David Niven and has an affair with her nephew-in-law, John Moulder-Brown. He's a bumbling, mumbling fool, and David Niven is a stud who exercises every night before bed. The basic premise of this movie doesn't really make any sense.However, if you can suspend your disbelief, it's actually a funny movie-in a quirky, seventies way. Everyone knows the seventies were weird, and this movie doesn't hide it. There are parties, uses of recreational substances, lavish costumes and wigs, a free-love attitude, and group sex. So, know what you're getting into with this movie, and if it sounds like something you could get a good laugh out of, you'll probably like it. I still maintain that anyone who cheats on David Niven should have her head examined, let alone choosing someone so ridiculous for her lover. If you agree with me, I'm sure you'll get some semblance of satisfaction from the famous bathtub scene: The Niv isn't exactly a faithful husband, and he has a threesome with two beautiful babes. It's actually a really funny scene, one of the only scenes in the film that's totally believable.I'm about to write something weird, but since the entire movie is weird, I feel justified. Even though Gina and Niv aren't really paired together romantically, they make a very attractive and well-suited couple onscreen. They have similar interests, the chemistry of their banter sparkles, and they're easily the best looking couple at the party. Another reason-albeit small-why I liked this movie is the family dog. A beautiful, award-winning, statuesque Dalmatian pals around with Gina and Niv in several scenes, and he is gorgeous and very well trained. That breed is one of my favorites, and it's adorable to see him follow Gina as she paces or give The Niv a big kiss on the lips. How darling is that? So, if you want to see The Niv with a beautiful dog, a beautiful wife, and two babes in a bathtub, there's only one movie where you'll find all three: King, Queen, Knave.Kiddy Warning: Obviously, you have control over your own children. However, due to nudity and sex scenes, I wouldn't let my kids watch it.

bkoganbing Once again between Gina Lollobrigida's buxom beauty and David Niven's considerable charms they're asked to shoulder a black comedy based on a Vladimir Nabokov novel in King Queen Knave. They just about get it over the finish line.King Queen Knave finds David Niven and Gina Lollobrigida as a married couple who have a nephew coming to stay with them. John Moulder- Brown's parents have been killed and his uncle David has agreed to take him and train him in the business of which he will be heir. Moulder-Brown is a nerdy klutz and a disappointment to Niven and he's at first dismissed by Gina. But she soon finds a use for him as Moulder-Brown starts thinking with his male member and she obliges him.Gina's got her own plans in regard to Niven whom she married when she was an Italian refugee and he was in the British army of occupation. But it all doesn't quite work out as she thought it would.Niven and Lollobrigida are about what you expect from them. But Moulder-Brown who is a better actor than he shows in this film goes way over the top in his portrayal of a klutz. I think he must have prepared for the role by watching all the Jerry Lewis movies he could find. It really got too much after a while.For a good film based on a Nabokov novel, try Lolita.

baronrock Imagine a wilder, wackier, weirder European take on The Graduate and you get the general idea of the themes underlying this picture. Niven is his usual smooth, urbane self, but Gina is just magnificent: gorgeous to look at, sexy and hilariously funny too! It's pretty clear why this movie is less well known than some of the others its stars appeared in: it's almost the antithesis of a Hollywood blockbuster. There are strange interludes which don't really come off. It's not quite in the class of Harold and Maude, but worthy of comparison in many respects. This is really the kind of film you have to accept on its own level - a diverting caper without that much depth, but no less amusing for all that. It's probably more of a man's film, by which I mean simply that most women may not enjoy it all that much. But I could be wrong! Anyway I hope so, because it IS worth seeing.

Tony Rome This film is very hard to find on video. It was released on VHS in the 1980's by Embassy home video. The film was shot in a wide scope, and the credits at the beginning are cut off on the small screen. This is a very funny movie with Niven and Lollobridgida as the uncle and aunt of John - moulder brown. Brown is humorous in a physical comedy role as the nerdy nephew. I laughed out loud at the crazy invention that brown is presented with. The film is derived from a book by Vladimir Nabokov which I am currently looking for to read. I recommend this film to Fans of Niven, or anyone that enjoys zany silly movies. Jerzy Skolimowski went on to direct Moonlighting, a 1982 film staring Jeremy Irons, this too is a funny film. A++++++++