Long ago, I found the basic premise of Anastasia captivating; but when I last saw this (in my teens, two decades ago) I was disappointed. Now, much later, I'm impressed to see some on-location photography in Paris. I was less pleased with the filtering of the idea through the romance genre (in the early reels) and the 'prestige production.' Both decisions are usually fatal. But as it proceeds it become smarter, more cynical entertainment than the usual offerings of the 50s, and although dated Bergman can certainly act.
It doesn't generate a shred of anticipation over whether Bergman is Anastasia, but other merits make up for that. The DVD commentary from Sylvia Stoddard a scholar of Russian history is very appreciated when she's poring over history, less so when she's gushing about the movies acheivements.
Martita Hunt who played Miss Havisham in David Lean's Great Expectations has a large role.
It doesn't generate a shred of anticipation over whether Bergman is Anastasia, but other merits make up for that. The DVD commentary from Sylvia Stoddard a scholar of Russian history is very appreciated when she's poring over history, less so when she's gushing about the movies acheivements.
Martita Hunt who played Miss Havisham in David Lean's Great Expectations has a large role.