zeppo-5 Review of The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone

The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone (2003 TV Movie)

A sordid story full of sordid characters

[1/10 · 19 March 2007]

I haven't seen the 1961 version nor have I read the Tennessee Williams novella but I found nothing redeeming in this picture except for poor Brian Dennehy who withdraws gracefully in the early part with a fatal heart attack and is spared further contact with his sex-starved wife (Mirren), the scheming contessa (Bancroft) and the repulsive gigolo (whatever his name is). Helen Mirren is undoubtedly a first class actress and she plays the sordid role assigned to her with near perfection But that doesn't absolve the makers of this film from their responsibility in producing a thoroughly nasty picture peopled by unspeakably nasty characters. The scene where the gigolo urinates in full view of Mirren was utterly revolting.