Watching 'The Demi-Paradise', a reference by the way to the beginning of John of Gaunt's speech in 'Richard II', with my godparents just over a week ago, there were quite a few reasons in wanting to see it. Really like satires, whether razor sharp and gentle. Am familiar with Anthony Asquith's work and like what has been seen of it, including two of the best film adaptations of Terrence Rattigan's plays and the best version of 'The Importance of Being Earnest'.
Also like a lot of the actors/actresses, the most familiar to me being Laurence Olivier, Margaret Rutherford and Felix Aylmer. The subject was interesting, though did worry as to whether it would get over-serious or preachy, considering the period it was made in. 'The Demi Paradise' struck me as a mostly successful film with several good to great elements, without quite reaching greatness. Not a paradise, not a dystopia either, just a nice entertaining and inoffensive way to spend 107 or so minutes.
For me, the first half was better than the second. The first has a lot of breezy charm and gentle humour, while the second was while still amiable enough a little over-serious and lacked the first half's energy.
The characters are written somewhat stereotypically and despite being well acted by a great cast do have to agree that they never do feel like real people, with the exception of Ivan who does evolve. Maybe it is a touch too long by 10 minutes or so.
However, 'The Demi-Paradise' looks lovely. Particularly loved the sumptuous costumes, Penelope Dudley-Ward had some wonderful ones, and interiors, complemented beautifully by the photography. The music score rouses and is orchestrated with lushness while Asquith directs as assuredly as ever. It's drolly scripted, with the gentle humour boasting some genuinely funny moments.
Playing a big part in 'The Demi-Paradise's' appeal is its immense charm, which doesn't feel too old-fashioned now and just about avoids heavy-handedness. The ending speech is inspiring and quite moving, and the film didn't feel dull or too much like a filmed stage play. The cast are very good. Olivier is commanding and doesn't overdo or underplay, also doing credibly with the accent if not perhaps mastering it. Dudley-Ward radiates on screen and Rutherford is splendidly dotty. My favourite supporting performance came from a sincere Aylmer as the film's warmest and most likeable character, though Edie Martin is also wonderfully batty.
On the whole, nicely done film. 7/10
Also like a lot of the actors/actresses, the most familiar to me being Laurence Olivier, Margaret Rutherford and Felix Aylmer. The subject was interesting, though did worry as to whether it would get over-serious or preachy, considering the period it was made in. 'The Demi Paradise' struck me as a mostly successful film with several good to great elements, without quite reaching greatness. Not a paradise, not a dystopia either, just a nice entertaining and inoffensive way to spend 107 or so minutes.
For me, the first half was better than the second. The first has a lot of breezy charm and gentle humour, while the second was while still amiable enough a little over-serious and lacked the first half's energy.
The characters are written somewhat stereotypically and despite being well acted by a great cast do have to agree that they never do feel like real people, with the exception of Ivan who does evolve. Maybe it is a touch too long by 10 minutes or so.
However, 'The Demi-Paradise' looks lovely. Particularly loved the sumptuous costumes, Penelope Dudley-Ward had some wonderful ones, and interiors, complemented beautifully by the photography. The music score rouses and is orchestrated with lushness while Asquith directs as assuredly as ever. It's drolly scripted, with the gentle humour boasting some genuinely funny moments.
Playing a big part in 'The Demi-Paradise's' appeal is its immense charm, which doesn't feel too old-fashioned now and just about avoids heavy-handedness. The ending speech is inspiring and quite moving, and the film didn't feel dull or too much like a filmed stage play. The cast are very good. Olivier is commanding and doesn't overdo or underplay, also doing credibly with the accent if not perhaps mastering it. Dudley-Ward radiates on screen and Rutherford is splendidly dotty. My favourite supporting performance came from a sincere Aylmer as the film's warmest and most likeable character, though Edie Martin is also wonderfully batty.
On the whole, nicely done film. 7/10