Other reviewers give the strange background and history of this film that was made in 1964 but not generally released until 1971. With all its problems, production deficiencies, and needed clean up of the screenplay, it was a flop that led to ill feelings between Ginger Rogers and others involved.
It's too bad, because "Quick, Let's Get Married" had a plot that could have made a very good comedy and satire. Some may be put off by aspects of the film - a madame and her bordello in a small Italian town; or the portrayal of faith by some, or the treatment of sensitive subjects. The film can clearly be seen as a light satire of some of these things, as well as a more obvious satire of local politics.
It may seem obvious to some that the screenplay itself wasn't quite finished. It needed some editing, refinement and polish. That could have smoothed over the rough parts and the sensitive aspects. But, as a portrayal of life in the time, place and setting of the film, it may not be so far off. Brothels existed in many places, and local politicians in some towns of Europe were on the take, if not highly corrupt. That is some, but surely not all or most. As with any satire, the situations portrayed are exaggerated for the comedy.
The plot with a hidden treasure from the past is a good fictional base around which to build this story. Mixed with the humor is a portrayal of faith and, at times, a lightly irreverent and humorous treatment of religion. But this never descends to mockery or denigration of Christianity. The ending even has a straight, poignant scene about faith, with Pia Pacelli and the Bishop. And that gets to a fine cast with some wonderful actors who do very well in their performances.
Barbara Eden is Pia, the youngest member of Madame Rinaldi's bordello who is pregnant by Beppo (played by Carl Schell), whom she loves and wants to marry. Cecil Kellaway plays the Bishop. But the main characters are Madame Rinaldi and Mario Forni, played by Ginger Rogers and Ray Milland, who were both in their later careers. This comeback attempt for Rogers (age 53) didn't pan out, and except for an occasional appearance on a TV series over the next two decades, her acting career was over. Some think it might have been the best thing for Milland as well. He was 57 at the time, but continued to act in many movies and on some TV series up until his 1986 death at age 79. But most of his roles from this point on were in B movies, many of them quite bad, including some terrible horror films.
Two other characters contribute to much of the humor in this film. Michael Ansara plays the town mayor, Pablo; and Vinton Hayworth is Aguesta, the Town Banker or pawn broker.
A little drama interspersed in the film includes a dam break that almost takes the life of the mayor's son; and the turn around and conversions, treated lightly but as authentic, with Pia, the mayor, the banker, and the women of the town, generally. Here are some sample lines of the humor that show the potential there was here for a very good comedy and satire. .
Beppo, "You know when I get to New York, perhaps I will send for you." Pia Pacelli, "Why is it always New York with you - the big town. I come from a big town - Venice. I know how it is in the city. And in Venice, when the tide is low, it stinks and there's garbage in the canals. Ach! I'll never go back to live in a slum."
Mario Forni, "Now, who should we talk about - you or me?" Madame Rinaldi, "You." Mario, "No, I don't think so. Let's talk about you. I know all about me." Madame, "And I know all about me, so the conversation is already over."
Madame Rinaldi, "And like all other men, you think you're absolutely irresistible." Mario Forni, "Oh, not any more. I used to be, you know, but nowadays I find that I have to fight a little harder. What were we talking about?" Madame, "Mohammedan."
Mayor Pablo, "Many people - women, in particular, get pregnant."
Madame Rinaldi, "Pregnant women are inclined to look more beautiful anyway."
Aguesta, Town Banker, "What do you think?" Mayor Pablo, "Well..." Madame Rinaldi, "Does he ever?"
Aguesta, "You've been a great mayor. I voted for you myself." Mayor Pablo, "I voted myself for myself."
Madame Rinaldi, "Oh, if I knew how, I'd pray. Can you?" Mario Forni, "No, I've forgotten."
Aguesta, "We pay to commit sins, then we have to pay to uncommit them. It goes against the grain."
Mario Forni, "I'm unprincipled enough not to have any principles worth anything. But I've never killed anybody. But somehow, some way, I feel I've killed her."
The Bishop, "Why does everything miraculous seem to be a miracle."
Mario Forni, "I thought you didn't believe in marriage." Madame Rinaldi, "I don't. But you make me believe in my own disbelief." Mario, "I think I know what you mean."
The Bishop, "There was a miracle, Pia. You see, child, the things of God that are marvelous are to be believed in. But sometimes reason destroys, because it proves to the reasoning mind only that which is reasonable, and leaves out all that is marvelous. But all is well, child. All will be well. The miracle was in your own faith. Keep that faith, my dear. Keep it always. With God's everlasting blessing."
Mario Forni, after their car loaded with treasure rolls over the cliff into the ocean below, "Hey, do you know how to skin dive?" Madame Rinaldi, "No. But I'll learn."
