Reviews

I have watched this film so many times that I know the dialogue verbatim. Of course, it is not a significant film in the history of cinema, but good luck finding many as charming. For one thing, the cast is amazingly attractive with Kay Kendall off the charts. She is so beautiful and stylish and her comic timing is glorious. The scene with she and husband, Rex Harrison trying to spy on their daughter is priceless and their chemistry is palpable. I find that she died only a short time later and that is really depressing. She was so lovely and funny; modern actresses would suffer by comparison. Only someone like Kate Winslet is anywhere near her league.

I have to agree with Mike. I have no idea what Ted was watching. Miss Marple 'obnoxious" huh? Joan Hickson nails her completely and is charming. She also is able to bring across just how intuitive and intelligent Miss Marple is. I, too, like McEwan as an actress, but her portrayal of Marple is vile. she is better suited to series like "Mulberry". As for Rutherford, she doesn't bother me as Marple because I don't take her seriously in them. It's more like a charming parody of the character. Remember both Lansbury and Hayes also had a crack at Jane and while both very talented could not come close to Joan Hickson. She manages to be both steely and soft, no small feat! Ted's comments show a lack of knowledge about the mystery genre. There is no such thing as just mystery; there are numerous subcategories as well. So, comparing Gardner to Christie is akin to comparing Chandler to Conan Doyle.

I'm not sure I believe anyone that says they like romance, but does not this movie. Is it a little sappy? Yes. Is it unbelievable? Yes. Are Elizabeth's poems a bit treacly? Yes And you know what? Who cares?! It is a very sweet and gentle story. It does remind of an old- fashioned movie, feelings of passion and attraction without flinging everyone into a sexual romp. I also like movies about sexual attraction, but this is a refreshing change. People falling in love with a kindred spirit is unbelievably exciting in its own way.

As to some feeling that it is a betrayal for Scotty to feel attraction for Beth at the end of the movie, I heartily disagree. Scotty, very unselfishly helped inspire Elizabeth to escape a vile suitor and loveless marriage; he also helped her find Caleb Denby one last time. I think it's fitting that Elizabeth's spirit helps Scotty find 'a love that burns" at the end.

And, to those that slam Elizabeth's poetry as unrealistic and sappy, stop speaking of that which you do not understand. 19th century poetry is often overwrought with emotion and symbolism. In that sense, it is not anachronistic, but very authentic. Read a book sometime!

Lastly, this is hot tea and comfy throw on a cold winter afternoon fare. Enjoy it for what it is! I know I will again.

There have been already many well written reviews of this classic film. And yes, it is a classic! I guess I just wish that viewers that have no appreciation of exceptional films would stick to watching crappy in-your-face garbage that currently masquerades as films and not bother trashing great films such as this. While I'm not at all offended by eroticism in films, it is an incredible change of pace to see love portrayed in such a subtle and gentle way. And depending on your sensibilities, you can see it as romantic in terms of Laura's short tortured relationship with the dashing Alex or her deep friendship with somewhat dull husband, Fred. The story wonderfully explores the idea that sometimes it is easier to feel close and understood by someone you meet by chance as opposed to those who are close to us. People may not like the truism, but it's human nature. It may be trite to describe this wonderful as poignant, but it is the perfect adjective. Don't miss this film if you actually appreciate exceptional storytelling.

This is where people need to start on their journey of Film Noir. It was made in 1944 so that puts it right before the Film Noir Era which was a postwar genre and look usually found in crime films until the mid '50's . I find the remarks about Dick Powell not pulling off Philip Marlowe quite tiresome. Raymond Chandler's Marlowe while very world weary and jaded is completely capable of making mistakes. While I love Bogart, he's much more suited to the role of the very unlikable Sam Spade. Bogart's Marlowe always seems invincible and that is a huge departure from Chandler's books. With Powell, you get a guy who will always try to avoid violence if possible, but if he can't avoid it, he's more than willing to smack somebody around. Chandler's wonderful similes, metaphors and sarcastic humor are a great fit for Powell. As for the positive comments about Mitchum's turn as Marlowe in the 1970s, I'm mystified. I always thought Mitchum was amazing, but those two films with him are vile. He was wildly too old for the part and the supporting casts were heinously miscast. People need to go back and read Raymond Chandler's books and they'll hopefully discover why Dick Powell was Chandler's favorite Marlowe.

I think the commenter from Florida may be discussing the awful film made for television in the early '80s. This mini-series made in 1989 does not have no-name B-list actors. They are all superb British and French actors. I would just caution people that they need to be aware which version they have gotten hold of to watch. The costuming is they only thing that seems a little out of place in this version. As to highlights of this version, I would have to say that James Wilby as Sidney Carton does excellent work. He is actually heartbreaking to watch. It is easy to make this pivotal character much too maudlin, but this is not the case here.

This movie is a great trash fest. Sometimes there is nothing better than when Hollywood of the 50s and 60s attempts to have teens portrayed by aging icons. This one goes straight thru the stratosphere when they make Mel "the velvet fog"Torme a gang leader of sorts. Mamie van Doren is way sexy. I'm surprised she didn't make the ranks of a major sex symbol. I've always found her to be hotter than Jayne Mansfield. If you don't believe me, check out High School Confidential; teenage boys would kill for an aunt this sexy. It's great fun no matter what, but even though MST3K cut out some scenes for their version, their great snotty comments are priceless. Get a hold of it, if you can!