I don't know which film I thought this was when I ordered it, but I was wrong. Nevertheless, I was glad to watch it because I have always liked Greer Garson and Walter Pidgeon when they performed together, and I always liked Errol Flynn. This film starts out a bit stuffy, but rapidly improves once you get a ways into it.
Before giving details, I should mention that as available, as of this writing, this is one of those DVDs that is DVD-R. Fortunately, the master print is in good condition, and while not as crisp as one might prefer, the color is quite well preserved, so it's enjoyable to watch from a technical perspective.
There's an excellent cast involved in this film, and an interesting plot. Errol Flynn is the younger generation of a rich and staid British family; he appears to be a bit of a dandy to the older generation, but in reality, he's as stuffy as they are. He falls in love with a lowly piano teacher (Greer Garson), but is it love or does he simply want to own a wife? Can he hold a marriage together without emotional love? Meanwhile the even younger family member -- Janet Leigh -- is being courted by a poor, young architect (Robert Young). Young falls in love with Greer Garson, and wends his way into her life! And always around the edges is Flynn's brother, the disinherited painter Walter Pidgeon. While it may sound like just another romantic triangle, it is much more involved than that! The casting here is very interesting. Swashbuckler Errol Flynn is playing the incredibly stuffy man of wealth who makes his older stuffy family look downright animated; he is as cold as cold can be. Surprisingly, after disliking him for almost the entire film, toward the end of the movie the sympathy of most viewers will be will him. On the other hand, Walter Pidgeon plays the gentle-hearted artist brother quite well. Of course, Greer Garson is perfect (as she almost always was) as the piano teacher who married into wealth but is now pursued by two other men. I was never particularly impressed with Janet Leigh, although she does her job well here. Wonderful Harry Davenport is along as the family patriarch...and he is as wonderful as ever in what was one of his final three films (he died later in the year this was released).
This was clearly a well heeled production. Sets and costumes are first rate. And, while it could stand a digital upgrade, the color has stood up very nicely.
A very sold "7", and recommended for its interesting plot, a surprising plot twist, and the development of the characters.
Before giving details, I should mention that as available, as of this writing, this is one of those DVDs that is DVD-R. Fortunately, the master print is in good condition, and while not as crisp as one might prefer, the color is quite well preserved, so it's enjoyable to watch from a technical perspective.
There's an excellent cast involved in this film, and an interesting plot. Errol Flynn is the younger generation of a rich and staid British family; he appears to be a bit of a dandy to the older generation, but in reality, he's as stuffy as they are. He falls in love with a lowly piano teacher (Greer Garson), but is it love or does he simply want to own a wife? Can he hold a marriage together without emotional love? Meanwhile the even younger family member -- Janet Leigh -- is being courted by a poor, young architect (Robert Young). Young falls in love with Greer Garson, and wends his way into her life! And always around the edges is Flynn's brother, the disinherited painter Walter Pidgeon. While it may sound like just another romantic triangle, it is much more involved than that! The casting here is very interesting. Swashbuckler Errol Flynn is playing the incredibly stuffy man of wealth who makes his older stuffy family look downright animated; he is as cold as cold can be. Surprisingly, after disliking him for almost the entire film, toward the end of the movie the sympathy of most viewers will be will him. On the other hand, Walter Pidgeon plays the gentle-hearted artist brother quite well. Of course, Greer Garson is perfect (as she almost always was) as the piano teacher who married into wealth but is now pursued by two other men. I was never particularly impressed with Janet Leigh, although she does her job well here. Wonderful Harry Davenport is along as the family patriarch...and he is as wonderful as ever in what was one of his final three films (he died later in the year this was released).
This was clearly a well heeled production. Sets and costumes are first rate. And, while it could stand a digital upgrade, the color has stood up very nicely.
A very sold "7", and recommended for its interesting plot, a surprising plot twist, and the development of the characters.