and reveals how miserable he is, torn between her and his daughter. Frank leaves and joins Noble in the church and Rose heads for Frank’s house to confront Mary. Her son comes to the church, hoping to see his mother one last time before they send him to reform school. Frank and Noble bring him back to the farm and manage an agreement with the boarding manager, Mr. Harmon. On the other hand, thinking herself alone in the house, Mary unlocks the door and comes out of the room. There she meets Rose, who has decided to try to help Frank find happiness, even if it is not with her. Rose argues her point with Mary and makes her understand Rose's love for her father, and finally Mary accepts her, asking her to stay for coffee. Frank, Rose, Noble, and Mary have breakfast together. In the end, Rose and Frank take Ralph out of the work farm and the three happily walk toward the horizon. Cast Production The Black Orchids original title was The Flower Maker. Casting The Black Orchid was originally purchased by Paramount Pictures with the intent of having Anna Magnani in the lead role, however, with her schedule so busy and the hiring of producer Carlo Ponti, Ponti hired his wife Sophia Loren. Soundtrack The Black Orchid is the first Hollywood film of Italian composer Alessandro Cicognini released by Dot Records. Novelization A novelization of the screenplay was written by American author Edward S. Aarons (1916-1975) under the pseudonym Edward S. Ronns. Reception Critical response The staff at Variety wrote in their review: "Orchid has a flavor of Marty, a touch of Wild Is the Wind. The story threads and changing emotions are securely locked in through Martin Ritt’s honest direction. Without pushing, he tells an intricately drawn story with a smooth, authoritative hand." Film critic Bosley Crowther of The New York Times wrote in his review: "When anyone gives his director what Mr. Quinn gives Martin Ritt, it is certainly too bad that the director hasn't something equally good to give back to him. But, unfortunately, Joseph Stefano, who wrote the original script, did not put into the hands of the director a story that is up to Mr. Quinn." For her performance in the film, Sophia Loren won the Coppa Volpi for best actress at the Venice International Film Festival. Release The Black Orchid was