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Comedy Cult Classic

A cloistered bride, a decadent mother, and tangled passions in a world of open marriages.

WHEN LOVE IS LUST

1973 · 1h 33m · NR · Comedy / Drama · IMDB TMDB

Emilia, product of a cloistered education and an aristocratic lineage is thrown into the arms of a brash parvenu, who she marries but refuses to consummate her marriage.

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Quick Answer

What is When Love Is Lust about?

When Love Is Lust is a 1973 Italian comedy-drama film directed by Vittorio De Sisti about a young, inhibited bride whose marriage is troubled, leading to a web of sexual entanglements within her aristocratic family.

Programmer's Pick

When Love Is Lust stirs up its mix of high-society repression and lowbrow indulgence with a knowing wink, showcasing everything from cloistered wives to swinger parties. It’s a distinctly Italian cocktail of frustrated marriages, decadent mothers, and more bedroom complications than a vintage soap opera.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

Set in a world where aristocratic traditions clash with modern desires, When Love Is Lust follows Emilia, a sheltered daughter forced into marriage by her decadent mother, the Countess. Though wed to a wealthy butcher, Emilia’s upbringing and inhibitions leave her unable to consummate the union. Seeking solace, she flees to her sister’s home, leaving her husband adrift. The absence opens a window for the husband and mother-in-law to seek comfort in each other's arms. As the characters navigate their tangled passions and frustrations, the film explores themes of sexual liberation, repression, and the complicated dynamics of open marriage and forbidden liaisons. Expect a blend of sensuality, comedy, and drama in this Italian sexploitation entry.

Details & Specs

Director
Vittorio De Sisti
Writers
Vittorio De Sisti, Luigi Russo
Release
1973
Runtime
1h 33m
Country
Italy
Language
Italian
Genres
Comedy, Drama
Also Known As
El final de la inocencia, Original title: Quando l'amore è sensualità

Cast & Crew

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Director: Vittorio De Sisti Writers: Vittorio De Sisti +1 more
Agostina Belli Agostina Belli Erminia Gianni Macchia Gianni Macchia Antonio Françoise Prévost Françoise Prévost Giulia Sanfelice Ewa Aulin Ewa Aulin Angela Femi Benussi Femi Benussi Widow Neighbor Umberto Raho Umberto Raho Don Claudio GR Giovanni Rosselli Monica Monet Monica Monet Giovanni Petrucci Giovanni Petrucci Rina Franchetti Rina Franchetti Marta Nello Riviè Nello Riviè Rossella Bergamonti Rossella Bergamonti Luigi Antonio Guerra Luigi Antonio Guerra FP Fausta Pittoni Vittorio Fanfoni Vittorio Fanfoni

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Why Cult

Aristocratic Decadence

The film plunges into the excesses and hypocrisies of an Italian noble household, where tradition meets temptation.

Taboo Relationships

From mother-in-law and son-in-law affairs to lesbian encounters, the film boldly explores forbidden connections.

1970s Sexploitation Style

With its candid nudity and erotic situations, this is a prime example of Italian sexploitation cinema of the early seventies.

Female Perspective

The story centers on Emilia’s struggle with desire and inhibition, spotlighting female agency amid a world of sexual politics.

Scene Gallery

Questions from the Vault

Who directed When Love Is Lust? +

When Love Is Lust was directed by Vittorio De Sisti.

How long is When Love Is Lust? +

When Love Is Lust has a runtime of 93 minutes.

What genre is When Love Is Lust? +

When Love Is Lust is classified as a comedy and drama film.

Where can I watch When Love Is Lust? +

When Love Is Lust is available to stream on SassyFlix.

Trailers & Clips

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