Sean Connery, Sir Ralph Richardson, and Gina Lollabrigida star in “Woman of Straw”, a 1964 film.

Connery plays Tony Richmond, who hires Maria (Lollabrigida) as a nurse for his impossible wheelchair-bound uncle (Richardson). His Uncle Charles is cruel and rude, and Maria doesn’t want to put up with him. Shortly after she arrives, she quits. Tony explains to her that his uncle doesn’t have long to live, which she knows, and he’s only been left 20 grand in his uncle’s will. If Uncle Charles marries Maria, she’ll inherit everything, and she can give him a million pounds. It’s all perfect.

Maria and Tony are attracted to one another, though at first she resists. She also doesn’t think she can bring herself to get Uncle Charles sufficiently interested in her to marry him – the idea repulses her. In truth, she winds up growing quite fond of him and is strict in the way she cares for him. However, his Jekyll-Hyde behavior becomes too much and she quits again. This time, Charles goes to see her himself and proposes. She accepts.

While on a yacht trip, Charles changes his will to benefit her and doubles his nephew’s inheritance to $40,000. Tony tells her that he will have to register the will in London when they get back in order for it to be legal. And that’s where the trouble begins.

Terrific film, well directed by Basil Dearden, produced in color with glorious scenery. Everyone does a great job, particularly Richardson, such a magnificent actor, who is hateful one minute and likable the next. Connery and Lollabrigida are gorgeous. It’s a good script that will keep you involved right to the very end. (Blanche)