Producer: Joseph Sistrom. Copyright 16 November 1948 by Universal Pictures Co., Inc. New York opening at Loew's Criterion: 29 September 1948. U.S. release: September 1948. U.K. release: 21 February 1949. Australian release: 6 January 1949. 7,893 feet. 88 minutes.
SYNOPSIS: Failed theatrical producer tries to wreck a young novelist's first play.
COMMENT: A film with a considerable reputation as a theatrical precursor to The Bad and the Beautiful. Alas, that reputation is not wholly deserved. Part of the problem lies in unimaginative, even clumsy direction; part in a script which has considerably watered down the original novel; but mostly in inept performances from John Payne and Susan Hayward.
Fortunately Robert Montgomery does well enough by the egomaniac producer, and is provided with equally forceful support by such as Henry "Harry" Morgan, Audrey Totter and Heather Angel. But Mr. Payne is not only a pain, but totally unbelievable. His performance lacks force, fire, intensity and sensitivity as well.
Unfortunately, Susan Hayward, noting the blandness of her co-star, has decided to give her role an edge instead. One wonders how such a bland dope as John Payne could possibly write any novel at all, let alone a successful two or three, saddled with a self-centered but equally empty-headed wife like Susan Hayward. (Miss Hayward's fans will note that she is none too flatteringly photographed here either. At this stage of her career the actress didn't yet have the clout to fire any cameraman who couldn't disguise her odd-shaped nose).
Yes, the photography has the right moody approach; and other technical credits are polished enough within the limits of a somewhat constrained (by "A" standards) budget. And whenever Robert Montgomery is on-screen, this is an engrossing and diverting slice of theater-land. But thanks mainly to painful Payne and heady Hayward, even at 88 minutes The Saxon Charm wears more than a trifle thin.
SYNOPSIS: Failed theatrical producer tries to wreck a young novelist's first play.
COMMENT: A film with a considerable reputation as a theatrical precursor to The Bad and the Beautiful. Alas, that reputation is not wholly deserved. Part of the problem lies in unimaginative, even clumsy direction; part in a script which has considerably watered down the original novel; but mostly in inept performances from John Payne and Susan Hayward.
Fortunately Robert Montgomery does well enough by the egomaniac producer, and is provided with equally forceful support by such as Henry "Harry" Morgan, Audrey Totter and Heather Angel. But Mr. Payne is not only a pain, but totally unbelievable. His performance lacks force, fire, intensity and sensitivity as well.
Unfortunately, Susan Hayward, noting the blandness of her co-star, has decided to give her role an edge instead. One wonders how such a bland dope as John Payne could possibly write any novel at all, let alone a successful two or three, saddled with a self-centered but equally empty-headed wife like Susan Hayward. (Miss Hayward's fans will note that she is none too flatteringly photographed here either. At this stage of her career the actress didn't yet have the clout to fire any cameraman who couldn't disguise her odd-shaped nose).
Yes, the photography has the right moody approach; and other technical credits are polished enough within the limits of a somewhat constrained (by "A" standards) budget. And whenever Robert Montgomery is on-screen, this is an engrossing and diverting slice of theater-land. But thanks mainly to painful Payne and heady Hayward, even at 88 minutes The Saxon Charm wears more than a trifle thin.