This is fine film-making for those who understand what that means. One of our reviewers said the film was "stuffy", while another said the film was "dated". Uh...yes...the film is a satire about stuffy, dated Bostonians. Unless you "get" that, then naturally you're not going to enjoy the film. And, perhaps it's just not your kind of film.
But let's face it, the primary attraction here is not the story (although it's a rather interesting one of how an old Bostonian finds he has to change). The primary attraction is Ronald Colman. Perhaps the most suave, sophisticated, and respectable actor who ever lived. And make no mistake, Colman is playing Colman and Apley.
I don't agree with some of our reviewers who describe this as a comedy. It's actually rather difficult to place it in either camp -- comedy or drama. It's really a mix, although I think the emphasis is on drama. And, just when you think you know exactly where the film is going...well, let's put it this way -- there are some surprises in the form of plot twists.
Supporting Colman are Richard Haydn, who I've become rather bored with as he almost always played the same snob. Richard Ney is Colman's on. I particularly enjoyed Percy Waram as Colman's brother-in-law; I was not at all familiar with him, but he was quite good. Mildred Natwick played Mildred Natwich and Colman's forceful sister. Edna Best played Colman's wife, and had a couple of very strong scenes. Peggy Cummins played the daughter.
Recommended, and it found a place on my DVD shelf.
But let's face it, the primary attraction here is not the story (although it's a rather interesting one of how an old Bostonian finds he has to change). The primary attraction is Ronald Colman. Perhaps the most suave, sophisticated, and respectable actor who ever lived. And make no mistake, Colman is playing Colman and Apley.
I don't agree with some of our reviewers who describe this as a comedy. It's actually rather difficult to place it in either camp -- comedy or drama. It's really a mix, although I think the emphasis is on drama. And, just when you think you know exactly where the film is going...well, let's put it this way -- there are some surprises in the form of plot twists.
Supporting Colman are Richard Haydn, who I've become rather bored with as he almost always played the same snob. Richard Ney is Colman's on. I particularly enjoyed Percy Waram as Colman's brother-in-law; I was not at all familiar with him, but he was quite good. Mildred Natwick played Mildred Natwich and Colman's forceful sister. Edna Best played Colman's wife, and had a couple of very strong scenes. Peggy Cummins played the daughter.
Recommended, and it found a place on my DVD shelf.