Film Reviews by ef

This is compelling viewing, the slow pace allows characters to build convincingly, the acting is superb and the atmosphere of the city is brilliantly portrayed.

There are visual images and scenes which will remain in your head, beautifully shot in black and white. Quite stunning.

Although the gentle pace and old fashioned social attitudes may put off some, this is a well observed and masterfully acted drama. Wendy Hiller is outstanding in the lead role, playing with skilful understatement, and proving that beauty can be as real in an eighty year old face as in a young person. Harry Andrews is bluff and convincing as her friend from the past, and Maurice Denham plays with relish and humour as her quixotic landlord. The minor characters might be stereotypical figures but are all acted with polish by a distinguished cast.