Narrated by on-screen observer Maugham (Herbert Marshall), this intriguing tale centers on a soul-searching World War I veteran (Tyrone Power) who finds he can not settle back into the world of the upper class. Shunning his planned marriage and career, he travels abroad to seek the meaning of life and career, he travels abroad .. Read more
| Starring | Tyrone Power, Gene Tierney, John Payne, Anne Baxter |
|---|---|
| Director | Edmund Goulding |
| Genres | Drama |
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One of those prestige Hollywood productions that was misconceived from the get-go. Casting Tyrone Power as the existential hero, a man profoundly affected by what he's seen in the First World War that makes him go off to seek truth in the world, was its first mistake - Power simply doesn't have the range for the part. Then the film's approach to some of the supporting characters - Tierney's unyielding bitchiness and Baxter's over-the-top alcoholism - further undermines things. A hellishly long running time is the final nail in the coffin.
This is a good classic story acted by the 'stars' of their day. However it has not worn well and comes over as dated and a trifle stiff.
'Old Hollywood' did actually produce a few really great films--and this, flawed as it is, is one of them, and a Must for anybody interested in the Search For Truth, for it is surprisingly effective in relating the tale of one man's dissatisfaction with the Status Quo and his world-wide search for a Purpose. Ok, the Indian Guru looks like an Old Testament Rabbi...but his message is still deeply moving!
(Bill Murray attempted to broaden his image as a Comic and remake this in 1984, but seemed to have lost his nerve and falls back on too much shtick, deluting the film of any depth. It is also badly miscast, though it is interesting to note the different approach to the story. Still, stick to this classic version!)
Great film. Has worn well. Strong plot and characters. Entertaining, Watch, and then read the novel.
This is a good classic story acted by the 'stars' of their day. However it has not worn well and comes over as dated and a trifle stiff.
One of those prestige Hollywood productions that was misconceived from the get-go. Casting Tyrone Power as the existential hero, a man profoundly affected by what he's seen in the First World War that makes him go off to seek truth in the world, was its first mistake - Power simply doesn't have the range for the part. Then the film's approach to some of the supporting characters - Tierney's unyielding bitchiness and Baxter's over-the-top alcoholism - further undermines things. A hellishly long running time is the final nail in the coffin.
This is a good classic story acted by the 'stars' of their day. However it has not worn well and comes over as dated and a trifle stiff.
'Old Hollywood' did actually produce a few really great films--and this, flawed as it is, is one of them, and a Must for anybody interested in the Search For Truth, for it is surprisingly effective in relating the tale of one man's dissatisfaction with the Status Quo and his world-wide search for a Purpose. Ok, the Indian Guru looks like an Old Testament Rabbi...but his message is still deeply moving!
(Bill Murray attempted to broaden his image as a Comic and remake this in 1984, but seemed to have lost his nerve and falls back on too much shtick, deluting the film of any depth. It is also badly miscast, though it is interesting to note the different approach to the story. Still, stick to this classic version!)
Great film. Has worn well. Strong plot and characters. Entertaining, Watch, and then read the novel.