| Overall Grade: |
A+ |
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| Story: |
A+ |
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| Acting: |
A+ |
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| Direction: |
A+ |
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| Visuals: |
A |
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Joan's finest hour. Several overlooked Oscars
by willy (movies profile)
Dec 21, 2006
This film is the greatest "tear-jerker" of all time--at least five hankies. Joan Crawford outdoes herself as the selfish and mean but fragile Helen Wright, who flits from young man to young man, right in front of her husband (shocking for 1946). The one she tragically falls in love with is the young and supremely talented violinist Paul Boray, played by the underrated John Garfield. He loves her, but he is so dedicated to his art, that he can't adequately return her love. She needs more attention, but he can't see it, and this leads to the inevitably tragic, and classic, conclusion.
Oscar Levant, one of my favorite entertainment personalities of all time is Boray's best friend and accompanist, Sid Jeffers. This man is a great actor, pianist, and the finest wit since the "other" Oscar, Mr. Wilde.
Joan Chandler plays the young 'cellist who truly loves Boray, but he's too dense to see it. All four of these actors should have copped Oscars.
Lastly, my favorite fiddler, Isaac Stern does the actual playing for the film, and the special effects with the violinists'arms in Garfield's coat are superb.
DO NOT MISS THIS FILM. Get some chocolates and a big box of tissues first. You'll need them. |
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