I have the advantage of not having seen the Garbo version (yet) to compare this one to so I can report on it with untainted eyes. I can tell you that those who compare Leigh's performance here to her performance as Scarlett are taking a cheap and obvious shot and show that they don't know either roles very well. There is no comparison in the acting, only in the plot point of scorned love.
I saw this on Turner Classic Movies and it was a very poor print. Washed out, dull (even for black and white). Not up to their usual standards. But for all of that the strength of Leigh's performance still came through, as well as the subtlety of the direction framing that beautiful face in the train window at the beginning when we first see her, in shadows throughout, and in the snowy, yet shadowy ending. All fine points on an intricate design.
I must admit that the beginning is slow to get your attention. It takes a while (I was even even tempted to nap off at one point). But once the real drama begins and Leigh is able to exhibit more raw emotion (yearning for her son and struggling to see him yet torn from her lover to do so), things pick up quickly and the rest of the film is riveting, though with a definite British restraint.
Whether you've seen other versions or not, I highly recommend seeing this one. I think you'll be impressed with Leigh's acting and with the overall effect. But I would try to rent it rather than seeing the TCM version so you can get a better print.
I saw this on Turner Classic Movies and it was a very poor print. Washed out, dull (even for black and white). Not up to their usual standards. But for all of that the strength of Leigh's performance still came through, as well as the subtlety of the direction framing that beautiful face in the train window at the beginning when we first see her, in shadows throughout, and in the snowy, yet shadowy ending. All fine points on an intricate design.
I must admit that the beginning is slow to get your attention. It takes a while (I was even even tempted to nap off at one point). But once the real drama begins and Leigh is able to exhibit more raw emotion (yearning for her son and struggling to see him yet torn from her lover to do so), things pick up quickly and the rest of the film is riveting, though with a definite British restraint.
Whether you've seen other versions or not, I highly recommend seeing this one. I think you'll be impressed with Leigh's acting and with the overall effect. But I would try to rent it rather than seeing the TCM version so you can get a better print.