Review of If Winter Comes

An impressive array of talent was gathered for this morality story, though no one winds up being particularly well served by the film. Always reliable Pigeon plays a writer in a small English village who's been passed over for a promotion by his rather dastardly employer and another associate. He's married to an impossibly shrewy and exacting wife (Lansbury) and dreams of a lost love (Kerr), who jilted him for another man a few years prior. When Kerr shows up in town again, Lansbury's fur begins to rise, though she tries to keep her cool. However, when Pigeon befriends a rather shy and troubled girl (Leigh) who is in desperate need of help, both emotionally and physically, Lansbury loses it and leaves Pigeon, creating a domino effect of angst for virtually everyone. The scandal costs Pigeon his job and his respectability within the community while Kerr attempts to aid him. The story line sounds more interesting than it actually plays out, though there are a few decent things to recommend about the film. Pigeon, though perhaps a little old to be playing a newlywed, is solid throughout and remains likable the bulk of the time. This isn't easy considering how bull-headed and chokingly noble his character tends to be, no matter what the cost. Kerr hasn't got very much to do. She comes off as mannered and stiff at times, especially in her immaculate military ensemble. The two attempt to drum up some chemistry, and do, but not quite enough of it (the fact that she disappears for a long stretch doesn't help convey their great love to the viewer!) Lansbury (who was only 22 and wearing age makeup) thoroughly detested her role, but at least her unendingly bitchy dialogue and attitude add a small amount of much-needed spark to the proceedings. She seems to be a British "Harriet Craig" in some ways. Leigh, in an early role, doesn't embarrass herself as a Brit and gives a nice, tender performance. Another dose of vinegar is given to the film by Barnes as a pushy, mouthy neighbor and friend of Lanbury's. Many other terrific character actors dot the cast. Credit must also be given to the nice cinematography with its pleasant and crisp black and white contrast. The chief issue seems to be that the story is a dense and complicated one and there isn't time to really delve into the relationships and their progressions as much as one might like. There's also an ending which may please those who love to hold to their standards above all else, but which may have some viewers shaking their heads in disbelief at the idiocy of it. It's a somewhat bleak affair, with Pigeon unable to catch a break from anyone as practically the entire village becomes a lynch mob. It's worth seeing for the strong and talented cast, but isn't likely to thrill most audience members.