R. I. P.: Gina Lollobrigida

I've not had a chance until now to mention that famed Italian actress and photojournalist Gina Lollobrigida passed away on January 16th, aged 95.  Although she was one of the most beautiful women in the world and a Big Name when I was a kid, I don't remember seeing any of her movies. 

But a few years ago, M.P. and I discovered the delightful romcom Come September (1961), which features Gina and Rock Hudson at the peak of their gorgeousness.  Lovely Sandra Dee and Bobby Darrin are the junior leads, and the scenery on the Italian Riviera is superb.  If you haven't seen it, fellas, you certainly should - it's thoroughly entertaining from start to finish, and the ending is hilarious! 

Here's a couple of peeks for you:

 

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Gina's Jewels

The actress in her heyday, wearing the famous pearl earrings.
Click to enlarge.

Here's something fabulous to look at:

Legendary screen icon Gina Lollobrigida discusses the highlights of her incredible multi-faceted career, as well as the exquisite jewels from her collection. The collection features important Bulgari jewels of the 1950s and 1960s, worn by Miss Lollobrigida at landmark moments in her career.

The jewels went under the hammer on May 14, 2013, and fetched nearly $5 million altogether, with the pearl earrings going for about $2.4 million.  Miss Lollobrigida stated that the proceeds would go to support stem-cell research.