I did enjoy Westward Passage on the whole, but the film has quite a few flaws: 1) Olivier's Nick Allen character was unlikeable for the most part, capable of very wide mood swings within a matter of seconds. (Having dated someone like this for 2 ½ years, I can tell you, it's no picnic). It was hard to have any sympathy for him, or to identify with the character. 2) Ann Harding's performance was serviceable, but way too low-key for Olivier, getting lost in their many scenes together, making virtually no impact. 3) By the time ZaSu Pitts returns in the middle of the film, her whining has become so annoying and unecessary, you will feel like punching her lights out. 4) Harding's other love interest is seen as a schemer from the start, and it was difficult to want the two of them to stay together, so he was not really a good foil for Olivier.
Bonita Granville, who played the protagonists daughter, was very good in her small role, and one of the most beautiful children I have ever, ever seen. WOW!
AN EXCELLENT MOMENT: (spoiler) After being slapped in the face by Harding, Olivier, definitely a cad, but no woman-basher, takes his anger and frustration out on Ralph the giraffe (a symbol of his wife) by slapping it across the face. This is such a small thing, yet this little touch, so matter-of-factly played, added both humor and poignancy at a pivotal point in the film. Without a doubt, this was one of the best little pieces of action I have ever seen in a movie, and the filmmakers should be proud.
The film's ending is left open to interpretation as to whether or not there will be a reconciliation between the two, which I thought was good. Lots of nice piano playing of lovely songs throughout the film was also a plus, however the film was too episodic in structure, and therefore never really took off.
Recommended for its good points and for Olivier's performance.
Bonita Granville, who played the protagonists daughter, was very good in her small role, and one of the most beautiful children I have ever, ever seen. WOW!
AN EXCELLENT MOMENT: (spoiler) After being slapped in the face by Harding, Olivier, definitely a cad, but no woman-basher, takes his anger and frustration out on Ralph the giraffe (a symbol of his wife) by slapping it across the face. This is such a small thing, yet this little touch, so matter-of-factly played, added both humor and poignancy at a pivotal point in the film. Without a doubt, this was one of the best little pieces of action I have ever seen in a movie, and the filmmakers should be proud.
The film's ending is left open to interpretation as to whether or not there will be a reconciliation between the two, which I thought was good. Lots of nice piano playing of lovely songs throughout the film was also a plus, however the film was too episodic in structure, and therefore never really took off.
Recommended for its good points and for Olivier's performance.