The (Lady Windermere's) Fan (1949) -
It took a long time to get in to the proper story of this one and I'm not sure that the prologue and epilogue, both set after WWII, were very necessary.
I have always found it odd in films when people reminisce about moments that they can't possibly have been present for. If the person wasn't involved then just don't film that scene, if it's integral to the story, don't show it as a remembrance.
I could only assume that they were trying to make this film longer.
I've yet to read or see the original Oscar Wilde play of this story in any other form, but I would hope to find it more fun and witty than this probably censored and staid version.
I'm not saying that it was bad, but it was obviously of its time and the values of that year, which hampered things in a way that was twee and a bit too wholesome without the inherent sauce that I have always found with the authors works before.
I also felt that there was another sub-story regarding the character of Cecil Graham (John Sutton) that must have been cut out, although it didn't effect the narrative as it stood in this film specifically. I was convinced that he was up to underhanded shenanigans, that might have been more fun to see than the aforementioned start and finish.
And I felt that Mrs Erlynne (Madeleine Carroll) could have been a representation of Oscar himself and his awkward, but outlandish position in society as a rogue and ultimately a pariah. A metaphor for his life perhaps.
It would obviously have been better for her character to have been honest with everyone from the start, although that would have taken the whole farce from the film, but I did have to feel sorry for Mrs Erlynne in the end.
Richard Greene in the role of Lord Arthur Windermere was very handsome in this one, so I could see why Lady Windermere (Jeanne Crain) might have had cause to be jealous and to assume that women everywhere were after him.
I couldn't have fallen for 'Shere Khan' (George Sanders playing Lord Darlington) with Richard's lovely face to go home to every night either.
Darlington was quite unpleasant and had no redeeming features that I could see, whereas Windermere was a charming and thoughtful man too.
As the film drew to an end, I must admit that I hadn't seen the stinger until it came, but I did like that twist and was once more reminded of the genius of the story's creator. I can't wait to read more of Wilde's work and to see more of them brought up to date on film.
479.81/1000.
It took a long time to get in to the proper story of this one and I'm not sure that the prologue and epilogue, both set after WWII, were very necessary.
I have always found it odd in films when people reminisce about moments that they can't possibly have been present for. If the person wasn't involved then just don't film that scene, if it's integral to the story, don't show it as a remembrance.
I could only assume that they were trying to make this film longer.
I've yet to read or see the original Oscar Wilde play of this story in any other form, but I would hope to find it more fun and witty than this probably censored and staid version.
I'm not saying that it was bad, but it was obviously of its time and the values of that year, which hampered things in a way that was twee and a bit too wholesome without the inherent sauce that I have always found with the authors works before.
I also felt that there was another sub-story regarding the character of Cecil Graham (John Sutton) that must have been cut out, although it didn't effect the narrative as it stood in this film specifically. I was convinced that he was up to underhanded shenanigans, that might have been more fun to see than the aforementioned start and finish.
And I felt that Mrs Erlynne (Madeleine Carroll) could have been a representation of Oscar himself and his awkward, but outlandish position in society as a rogue and ultimately a pariah. A metaphor for his life perhaps.
It would obviously have been better for her character to have been honest with everyone from the start, although that would have taken the whole farce from the film, but I did have to feel sorry for Mrs Erlynne in the end.
Richard Greene in the role of Lord Arthur Windermere was very handsome in this one, so I could see why Lady Windermere (Jeanne Crain) might have had cause to be jealous and to assume that women everywhere were after him.
I couldn't have fallen for 'Shere Khan' (George Sanders playing Lord Darlington) with Richard's lovely face to go home to every night either.
Darlington was quite unpleasant and had no redeeming features that I could see, whereas Windermere was a charming and thoughtful man too.
As the film drew to an end, I must admit that I hadn't seen the stinger until it came, but I did like that twist and was once more reminded of the genius of the story's creator. I can't wait to read more of Wilde's work and to see more of them brought up to date on film.
479.81/1000.