It would be nearly impossible to fail with a movie based on a George Bernard Shaw play starring Sophia Loren and Peter Sellers. But somehow director Anthony Asquith manages to do just that.
This movie intends to be a socio-political satire and a romantic farce. Rather than trying to hit both marks, the director attempts to find a path halfway between the two, thereby missing both. Combining satire and farce requires skilled direction; ironically, Stanley Kubrik did so brilliantly with Sellers in 'Dr. Strangelove'.
Mind you, I could spending 90 minutes watching Sophia Loren reading the phone book. When she's on the screen (especially in this movie) it's impossible to notice anything else that might be going on in the scene; so please forgive me if I missed something.
There are a few genuinely funny moments; my favorite being when Sellers attempts to give away "free money" on a street corner in a poor neighborhood. However, it seems the director is holding Sellers back on a tight leash.
Despite my lackluster review thus far, I definitely recommend watching this. Upon examination, 'The Millionairess' is "anatomically interesting beyond question"; (quoting Dr. Kabir). The style is quite forward-trending, considering it was released in 1961. It beckons the Brit-pop of the mid-'60s. The sets, costumes, etc., although quite stagey, are nonetheless effectively interesting. -- "In conclusion..." ...watch it!