Several priceless works of art have been stolen, it's apparent that that only thief so daring, is Flambeau, Father Brown is on the case, working against the clock, he's intent on recapturing the goods, and saving the great thief's soul.
I watched this for the first time, having watched the 1930's adaptation prior to it, I enjoyed that, I found this version quite superior.
In terms of tone, it put me in mind of the Miss Marple films with Margaret Rutherford, not quite perhaps what the author had in mind, but very entertaining, and lots of fun. Fans who perhaps aren't too well knowledgeable about the original source material may look ok it a little more kindly than die hards, personally I'm a huge Chesterton fan, and I've enjoyed all of the interpretations.
There are several amusing moments throughout it, that scene in The Library was worthy of an Ealing comedy.
It's Alec Guinness, so of course it's a masterclass in acting, he made a wonderful Father Brown, he's charismatic, quirky and eminently positive, but there's a secret strength, I enjoyed his performance, Peter Finch was excellent as Flambeau, I loved his disguises, Joan Greenwood was excellent also. So glamorous, and that voice was incredible.
I'm surprised Guinness didn't reprise the role after this, I'm sure fans really did enjoy his characterisation.
8/10.
I watched this for the first time, having watched the 1930's adaptation prior to it, I enjoyed that, I found this version quite superior.
In terms of tone, it put me in mind of the Miss Marple films with Margaret Rutherford, not quite perhaps what the author had in mind, but very entertaining, and lots of fun. Fans who perhaps aren't too well knowledgeable about the original source material may look ok it a little more kindly than die hards, personally I'm a huge Chesterton fan, and I've enjoyed all of the interpretations.
There are several amusing moments throughout it, that scene in The Library was worthy of an Ealing comedy.
It's Alec Guinness, so of course it's a masterclass in acting, he made a wonderful Father Brown, he's charismatic, quirky and eminently positive, but there's a secret strength, I enjoyed his performance, Peter Finch was excellent as Flambeau, I loved his disguises, Joan Greenwood was excellent also. So glamorous, and that voice was incredible.
I'm surprised Guinness didn't reprise the role after this, I'm sure fans really did enjoy his characterisation.
8/10.