The first issue I had was James Mason. When I was young I thought he was a very good actor. And sometimes he was. Perhaps it was that wonderful voice. In recent years I've taken a second look at Mason's work, and I'd have to say his performances were rather uneven, and in my view his performance here was horrid. Maybe it was the director, or maybe it was the way Mason interpreted his character, but petulance did not fit here, and for much of the first half of the film, that's what Mason's character was -- petulant.
The second issue was Dorothy Dandridge. I knew of her, but I'm not sure I ever saw her in another film. Perhaps. But, if this is an example of her at her best, then I'm not impressed. Although, she was remarkably beautiful.
A third issue was Joan Collins. Now I enjoyed her in "Dynasty", but that doesn't mean I thought she was a good actress. She knew how to look seductive and sexy. But she didn't know how real people talk or behave, and it certainly shows here.
A fourth issue was transitions from one setting/scene to another. Sometimes they seemed awkward, as if the scene wasn't really quite finished, even though it had ended.
A fifth issue was the dialog. It was mostly okay, but occasionally it seemed to misfire. For example, the car has been sabotaged with the rotor taken out, and the response is, "It can't be a coincidence." Well, duh! And then there's Joan Fontaine's apparel. Just seemed a little too "white" in a film about interracial love affairs. Over done.
So you might think I didn't like the film. Well, despite all the issues, overall I thought it was quite good. First of all, for 1957, interracial romance was a hot topic. This film took courage, particularly for Joan Fontaine.
This was more an ensemble cast than a star vehicle. So, I enjoyed seeing Michael Rennie, an actor that I always felt was underestimated. John Justin was quite good. Stephen Boyd was sounding VERY British here, but he played the part nicely. Diana Wynyard, as the mother with a secret, has one exceptional scene when she finally tells her daughter a truth; this was her final film. John Williams always played a wonderful detective (as in "Dial M For Murder); a treat to see him in the same type of role here! I also enjoyed Ronald Squire.
In case you think I forgot Harry Belafonte, no, I didn't forget. I just don't think of him as an actor.
Despite some real issues, I liked the film. It has a strong plot, is lavishly produced with beautiful settings, and its theme is still very timely...amazing after nearly 60 years!
The second issue was Dorothy Dandridge. I knew of her, but I'm not sure I ever saw her in another film. Perhaps. But, if this is an example of her at her best, then I'm not impressed. Although, she was remarkably beautiful.
A third issue was Joan Collins. Now I enjoyed her in "Dynasty", but that doesn't mean I thought she was a good actress. She knew how to look seductive and sexy. But she didn't know how real people talk or behave, and it certainly shows here.
A fourth issue was transitions from one setting/scene to another. Sometimes they seemed awkward, as if the scene wasn't really quite finished, even though it had ended.
A fifth issue was the dialog. It was mostly okay, but occasionally it seemed to misfire. For example, the car has been sabotaged with the rotor taken out, and the response is, "It can't be a coincidence." Well, duh! And then there's Joan Fontaine's apparel. Just seemed a little too "white" in a film about interracial love affairs. Over done.
So you might think I didn't like the film. Well, despite all the issues, overall I thought it was quite good. First of all, for 1957, interracial romance was a hot topic. This film took courage, particularly for Joan Fontaine.
This was more an ensemble cast than a star vehicle. So, I enjoyed seeing Michael Rennie, an actor that I always felt was underestimated. John Justin was quite good. Stephen Boyd was sounding VERY British here, but he played the part nicely. Diana Wynyard, as the mother with a secret, has one exceptional scene when she finally tells her daughter a truth; this was her final film. John Williams always played a wonderful detective (as in "Dial M For Murder); a treat to see him in the same type of role here! I also enjoyed Ronald Squire.
In case you think I forgot Harry Belafonte, no, I didn't forget. I just don't think of him as an actor.
Despite some real issues, I liked the film. It has a strong plot, is lavishly produced with beautiful settings, and its theme is still very timely...amazing after nearly 60 years!