Here Oberon shines. The story is slight, yet gives Oberon time to revel in the Ben Hecht/Samuel Hoffenstein dialogue. Oberon plays Lydia, a woman who is searching for love. The film is framed by a reunion, with Lydia as an old woman. She is reunited with the four fellows that have chased her throughout her life. All four actors do their best with their roles, but none standout. They mostly just stare longingly at Oberon for the duration of the film. None are given much consideration or motivation other than as a lovers for Oberon can push around.
Other than Oberon, Julien Duvivier, the director, is the real star. His direction makes the most out of the simple plot. Certain scenes stick out more than others. The scene when Michael (Joseph Cotten) and Lydia run into the ball of Lydia's imagination, in slow-motion is very memorable for its dream-like feel. Also, when Frank (Hans Jaray), the blind pianist plays for the blind children, the scene is framed very beautifully. Also Miklos Rozsa's Oscar-nominated score is very good.
A pretty good drama that suffers from a necessary but clumsy framing device with the reunion, as well as a third act that doesn't jell well with the rest of the film.
Other than Oberon, Julien Duvivier, the director, is the real star. His direction makes the most out of the simple plot. Certain scenes stick out more than others. The scene when Michael (Joseph Cotten) and Lydia run into the ball of Lydia's imagination, in slow-motion is very memorable for its dream-like feel. Also, when Frank (Hans Jaray), the blind pianist plays for the blind children, the scene is framed very beautifully. Also Miklos Rozsa's Oscar-nominated score is very good.
A pretty good drama that suffers from a necessary but clumsy framing device with the reunion, as well as a third act that doesn't jell well with the rest of the film.