The first 10 minutes and I thought it was going to be your typical 'recalcitrant teenager encounters new governess, finds love and comes of age' screenplay, of which there are many, (it seemed to be a theme in the '50's and 60's and most of them seemed to involve Hayley Mills) and yes, all of these elements are present, but this film develops in to so much more. It all starts off lightly enough and I was willing to watch it on the basis that this would be a summery romp through the 1960's English countryside, with the lovely Hayley centre stage. However, as the plot plays out and the marvellous Deborah Kerr gets in to her stride, the dynamic changes dramatically and in the last third, once Felix Aylmer shows up, it turns into something much darker.
Given the fact that there are few scene changes and no pyrotechnics it's soley the magnetism of the actors which carries this one along. The scenes with John and Hayley are magical, with the daughter simply sparkling, given the confidence obviously instilled by the master. Edith Evans ably demonstrates the consumate skills honed by over 50 years in the theatre; one moment being the lovable old grandmother, the next switching to a hidden persona with a cold look sufficient to chill the blood.
Director, Ronald Neame is even-handed in developing the lightheartedness prevalent at the start then building the total sense of foreboding and hopelessness near the conclusion.
All in all, 106 minutes well spent and worthy of a review. As others have said, a screen gem showcasing enviable acting talent in all respects.
Given the fact that there are few scene changes and no pyrotechnics it's soley the magnetism of the actors which carries this one along. The scenes with John and Hayley are magical, with the daughter simply sparkling, given the confidence obviously instilled by the master. Edith Evans ably demonstrates the consumate skills honed by over 50 years in the theatre; one moment being the lovable old grandmother, the next switching to a hidden persona with a cold look sufficient to chill the blood.
Director, Ronald Neame is even-handed in developing the lightheartedness prevalent at the start then building the total sense of foreboding and hopelessness near the conclusion.
All in all, 106 minutes well spent and worthy of a review. As others have said, a screen gem showcasing enviable acting talent in all respects.