One of Helen Mirren's first films is this unforgettable exotic drama that deals with a Hemingway like artist (James Mason) who, trying to find some ambition to get himself back behind the canvas, goes to a tropical setting where he becomes friendly with a local girl (Mirren) who models in the nude for him. She has a cackling, constantly drunk grandmother (Neva Carr-Glynn), certain that Mirren is fornicating with anything and everybody. When granny goes too far, Mirren stands up to her and this results in a twist that will alter the course of Mason and Mirren's up to now professional relationship.
I'll never forget the sight of the elderly granny running around swinging her raised cane with the intention of striking. A combination of Granny from "The Beverly Hillbillies" and various cartoon old ladies, she's very witch like in her anger, and the over-the-top Neva Carr-Glynn doesn't even stop to breathe while speeding around faster than Margaret Hamilton on her broomstick.
The romance that is insinuated between Mason and Mirren is very subtle, and of course, there will be the temptation to compare this to "Lolita". They have a nice sparkle together, but I saw it more as a budding friendship, like a fun-loving uncle with a niece who enjoys his company. This has some beautiful photography with natural settings, many on the beach and some underwater photography that shows off some exotic fish. It is enjoyable fluff, and quite surprising in the film credits of Michael Powell who directed many classic British films in the 1940's.
I'll never forget the sight of the elderly granny running around swinging her raised cane with the intention of striking. A combination of Granny from "The Beverly Hillbillies" and various cartoon old ladies, she's very witch like in her anger, and the over-the-top Neva Carr-Glynn doesn't even stop to breathe while speeding around faster than Margaret Hamilton on her broomstick.
The romance that is insinuated between Mason and Mirren is very subtle, and of course, there will be the temptation to compare this to "Lolita". They have a nice sparkle together, but I saw it more as a budding friendship, like a fun-loving uncle with a niece who enjoys his company. This has some beautiful photography with natural settings, many on the beach and some underwater photography that shows off some exotic fish. It is enjoyable fluff, and quite surprising in the film credits of Michael Powell who directed many classic British films in the 1940's.