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May 23, 2013a_esquimaux rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
The VERY definition of "overlooked classic". An all-time great director, one of the great screenwriters, one of the great producers, and (arguably) one of the all-time great actresses... how is this not getting the "Criterion" treatment? Hell, if "Tiny Furniture" can qualify... regardless, I'm glad someone saw fit to put out a DVD transfer (excellent quality btw)! All the trappings you (filmgeeks) expect from an Ophuls work: tragic-romantic-irrational female lead; pretty-faced male lead played with rakish charm; stirring soundtrack; dynamic plot structure; and that ever elegant camera (though perhaps toned down for an american audience). Joan Fontaine (who is still alive btw; I respectfully demand we flood her with fanmail) does -- quite simply -- a badass job embodying her character's gradual progression from plain, awkward girl to refined, stately beauty; this is no mere makeup/wardrobe job, people -- watch the way she moves and carries herself. Louis Jordan does a good job keeping up.