Triumph of Love MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +2 Content: +1

This old fashioned fairy tale about a princess (Mira Sorvino) who wants to return her kingdom to its rightful monarch is based on a classical French play first performed in 1732. Disguised as a young man, she finds Prince Agis (Jay Rodan) living in a remote Italian villa with Hermocrates (Ben Kingsley), a middle-aged philosopher, and his spinster sister Leontine (Fiona Shaw). The disguised princess becomes friends with the prince, but must win the hearts of both Hermocrates and Leontine to set him free. In a complicated switching back and forth of gender, the cross-dressing princess convinces both of Prince Agis guardians that she is in love with them, but of course she has fallen madly in love with the handsome prince. Clever and witty, this old fashioned romantic comedy will probably seem silly to younger audiences, but students of 18th century literature will particularly enjoy TRIUMPH OF LOVE.

Although the princess cross-dresses and even kisses Leontine, its all an act to gain access to the prince and not a homosexual attraction. However, in the opening scene, the princess and her maid shed their feminine gowns, put on mens clothing and add a bulge in their trousers to enhance their male disguise. The two then spy on the prince bathing in a stream, with rear male nudity briefly shown. Prince Agis has been isolated from the world and doesnt understand the feelings he has for his new friend. In fact, he asks the disguised princess to teach him to hate love, because of his bitterness over the loss of his parents and rightful heritage. She makes fools of Hermocrates and his sister as each thinks the stranger is going to marry them. With virtually no objectionable material, TRIUMPH OF LOVE still teases prurient thoughts with its sexually suggestive content, brief nudity and cross-dressing.

Preview Reviewer: Mary Draughon
Distributor: Paramount Classics, 5555 Melrose Ave., Chevalier Bldg., No. 215, Hollywood, CA 90038