Was there ever a more sadistic character masked in a disguise of normality than Geoffrey Lee (James Mason) from "They Were Sisters" "From the famous novel by Dorothy Whipple" - that's what the opening credits say. Dorothy Whipple was a popular English writer of the 1930s and 40s. Two of her books were made into films - "They Knew Mr. Knight" and "They Were Sisters".
The film begins in 1919 with a dance, establishing the sister's personalities. Lucy (in a role tailor made for top British star, Phyliss Calvert) the sensible, dependable one, Vera (Anne Heywood) the flirtatious one and Charlotte (Dulcie Gray) the quiet sister who lacks confidence. Also at the dance is Geoffrey Lee, a selfish opportunist who at first tries to interest Vera, then turns his attentions to Charlotte. He marries Charlotte but his boorish behaviour at the reception doesn't bode well for their married life.
Sensible Brian has always loved Vera (even though she says she doesn't love him) proposes to her and is accepted. Lucy marries William Worth, an architect employed by her father.
Eighteen years later the sisters are reunited for a weekend. Charlotte is scared and worn down and Vera has still got her flirty ways. When Charlotte arrives home it is obvious the whole family (except for Margaret (Pamela Kellino) - there is an odd element between father and daughter) are petrified of Geoffrey. He is a sadistic brute who locks Charlotte out of their room and when she arranges to leave, feigns a heart attack to induce her to stay. Charlotte then turns to drink.
At a dinner at Vera's house, Margaret finds an admirer and Judith makes friends with Vera's daughter Sarah. The children all have problems from their upbringing and find a haven at the home of Lucy and William.
After being beaten by Geoffrey, Charlotte is visited by Lucy, who brings her and the children home for a visit. Stephen brings their dog, Crusoe, even though Geoffrey has forbidden the dog to go. When Geoffrey finds out, the dog is given to the Worth's housekeeper.
Vera has her own problems - she is having an affair and this time she is really in love. She plans to run away with him and her husband, who knows about it, plans to give her a divorce. She was to have met Geoffrey, to keep him busy while Lucy secretly brings a doctor to check out Charlotte. Vera misses the appointment and Charlotte tries for the last time to leave him, running straight into the path of an approaching car. Charlotte dies and Lucy creates a sensation at the inquest by exposing Geoffrey and his sadistic ways.
The film ends with Lucy and William, who have never been able to have children, looking after the children of Vera and Charlotte.
It is a melodramatic film but it keeps you watching. All the stars are excellent in their roles although James Mason and Phyliss Calvert, are, for me, the standouts.
Highly Recommended.
The film begins in 1919 with a dance, establishing the sister's personalities. Lucy (in a role tailor made for top British star, Phyliss Calvert) the sensible, dependable one, Vera (Anne Heywood) the flirtatious one and Charlotte (Dulcie Gray) the quiet sister who lacks confidence. Also at the dance is Geoffrey Lee, a selfish opportunist who at first tries to interest Vera, then turns his attentions to Charlotte. He marries Charlotte but his boorish behaviour at the reception doesn't bode well for their married life.
Sensible Brian has always loved Vera (even though she says she doesn't love him) proposes to her and is accepted. Lucy marries William Worth, an architect employed by her father.
Eighteen years later the sisters are reunited for a weekend. Charlotte is scared and worn down and Vera has still got her flirty ways. When Charlotte arrives home it is obvious the whole family (except for Margaret (Pamela Kellino) - there is an odd element between father and daughter) are petrified of Geoffrey. He is a sadistic brute who locks Charlotte out of their room and when she arranges to leave, feigns a heart attack to induce her to stay. Charlotte then turns to drink.
At a dinner at Vera's house, Margaret finds an admirer and Judith makes friends with Vera's daughter Sarah. The children all have problems from their upbringing and find a haven at the home of Lucy and William.
After being beaten by Geoffrey, Charlotte is visited by Lucy, who brings her and the children home for a visit. Stephen brings their dog, Crusoe, even though Geoffrey has forbidden the dog to go. When Geoffrey finds out, the dog is given to the Worth's housekeeper.
Vera has her own problems - she is having an affair and this time she is really in love. She plans to run away with him and her husband, who knows about it, plans to give her a divorce. She was to have met Geoffrey, to keep him busy while Lucy secretly brings a doctor to check out Charlotte. Vera misses the appointment and Charlotte tries for the last time to leave him, running straight into the path of an approaching car. Charlotte dies and Lucy creates a sensation at the inquest by exposing Geoffrey and his sadistic ways.
The film ends with Lucy and William, who have never been able to have children, looking after the children of Vera and Charlotte.
It is a melodramatic film but it keeps you watching. All the stars are excellent in their roles although James Mason and Phyliss Calvert, are, for me, the standouts.
Highly Recommended.