Until almost the end, this film does an exceptional job of accurately concentrating the plot and characterization of Conrad's great novel into a fairly short running time. The performances are all good to excellent, with Cedric Hardwicke particularly well cast as the languidly menacing Mr. Jones. And the direction and photography are occasionally inventive - especially memorable is the arrival of the three main antagonists, first seen as fast moving shadows that seem to emerge from the neck of the dark carriage horse that has brought them into town.
Unfortunately, the novel's incredibly moving and complex ending is replaced by a totally different, Hollywood, conclusion, which isn't awful but also isn't particularly good.
Unfortunately, the novel's incredibly moving and complex ending is replaced by a totally different, Hollywood, conclusion, which isn't awful but also isn't particularly good.
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