How a Barefoot Contessa Welcomed Ben Mankiewicz to TCM
Monday, July 24, is Ava Gardner Day on Turner Classic Movies, a night of films that includes 1953’s Mogambo and 1964’s The Night of the Iguana. But it begins at 8 p.m. ET with 1954’s The Barefoot Contessa — which TCM host Ben Mankiewicz, in this special video, credits with leading to his job at the network. Sort of. It’s a delightful story, especially if you believe in the power of coincidence. Or karma. Or Ava Gardner. - David Bianculli