This is a good film EXCEPT for the same complaint I often have about British films of that era -- the pace is too slow. And, there are places where it seems a bit melodramatic, but I could over look that if the pacing was better. The other BIG complaint I have are the scenes where Ann Todd is playing her character as a teenager. Just making your legs awkward doesn't work. It would have been MUCH better had a young actress played the part of her character as a teen.
What did I like best about the film. Frankly, seeing Herbert Lom in a serious role long before "The Pink Panther" series. And, Ann Todd does a remarkable job of faking playing the piano. While I am certain that was not her playing, I would guess she had some talent in the area, because I have never seen it done so well on screen.
What you have here is a story of a young woman who has been boxed into a life not of her own making. She is emotionally abused by her guardian (James Mason)...although you know from the beginning...well, I'd better let you figure out what happens there. Abused by an American band leader who was married. And damaged by a painter who involves her in a car crash (although we really can't blame him for that circumstance). Well, okay...all of that works.
The 5 main characters here are: 1. James Mason as the guardian -- excellent performance, although his character is not very likable. 2. Ann Todd as the pianist -- other than the teen scenes, a good performance, although it seemed a tad bit stiff to me. 3. Herbert Lom as the psychiatrist -- a good performance, although the streak of gray in his hair was a little silly. 4. Hugh McDermott as the band leader -- good performance. 5. Albert Lieven as the painter -- good performance. To be honest, it's difficult to criticize the acting here, but Mason does best.
The pace here really got to me. It took me several sittings to get through this film, but I was still glad I watched it.
What did I like best about the film. Frankly, seeing Herbert Lom in a serious role long before "The Pink Panther" series. And, Ann Todd does a remarkable job of faking playing the piano. While I am certain that was not her playing, I would guess she had some talent in the area, because I have never seen it done so well on screen.
What you have here is a story of a young woman who has been boxed into a life not of her own making. She is emotionally abused by her guardian (James Mason)...although you know from the beginning...well, I'd better let you figure out what happens there. Abused by an American band leader who was married. And damaged by a painter who involves her in a car crash (although we really can't blame him for that circumstance). Well, okay...all of that works.
The 5 main characters here are: 1. James Mason as the guardian -- excellent performance, although his character is not very likable. 2. Ann Todd as the pianist -- other than the teen scenes, a good performance, although it seemed a tad bit stiff to me. 3. Herbert Lom as the psychiatrist -- a good performance, although the streak of gray in his hair was a little silly. 4. Hugh McDermott as the band leader -- good performance. 5. Albert Lieven as the painter -- good performance. To be honest, it's difficult to criticize the acting here, but Mason does best.
The pace here really got to me. It took me several sittings to get through this film, but I was still glad I watched it.