Rent A Tale of Two Cities (1958)
3.7 of 5 from 72 ratings
2h 21min
- General info
- Available formats
- Synopsis:
- Bogarde is perfectly cast as Sydney Carton in this masterly adaptation of Charles Dicken's renowned French Revolution epic. Faithfully adapted from the novel, the film follows the fortunes of Carton, a disillusioned lawyer, whose world is turned upside down when events in France encroach on his decadent London life. Asked to defend a young French aristocrat named Darnay (Paul Gures), Carton finds himself falling in love with Darney's fiancée Lucie Manette (Dorothy Tutin). When Darney returns to France, he is imprisoned by a revolutionary mob. Carton seizes the opportunity for action and, ultimately, redemption.
- Actors:
- Dirk Bogarde, Dorothy Tutin, Cecil Parker, Stephen Murray, Athene Seyler, Paul Guers, Marie Versini, Ian Bannen, Alfie Bass, Ernest Clark, Rosalie Crutchley, Freda Jackson, Duncan Lamont, Christopher Lee, Leo McKern, Donald Pleasence, Eric Pohlmann, Dominique Boschero, Yves Brainville, Michael Brennan
- Directors:
- Ralph Thomas
- Producers:
- Betty E. Box
- Writers:
- Charles Dickens, T.E.B. Clarke
- Studio:
- ITV
- Genres:
- Classics, Drama
- Collections:
- Cinema Paradiso's 2022 Centenary Club, Getting to Know..., Getting to Know: Kenneth More, Introducing a British Film Family, A Brief History of Film...
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Reviews (4) of A Tale of Two Cities
Really high class production and acting - A Tale of Two Cities review by CD
Thoroughly enjoyed this production, having recently read the novel for the first time. Dirk Bogarde is suitably laconic as the lawyer Sydney Carton. The backdrop of the French Revolution and some creepy characters in Paris make this film dark and interesting. Christopher Lee is great as a sadistic nobleman. Thoroughly recommended for the satisfying moral compass in the film and the action.
2 out of 2 members found this review helpful.
The best of films, not the worst of films… - A Tale of Two Cities review by HW
This is a faithful, atmospheric and moving adaptation of the book. The streamlining of the plot did actually help clear up some of the novel’s complexities for me, as we follow a range of characters from London to revolutionary Paris. Dirk Bogarde’s turn as our alcoholic, bitter hero Sydney Carton did move me to tears by the end. The other main parts also did justice to the strong emotions of the characters. Also fun to see horror legends Donald Pleasance and Christopher Lee in small villainous parts! All in all, if you haven’t read the book this is still an impressive historical drama of revenge and romance that swings from Gothic suspense to revolutionary hysteria, with raging street battles in Paris.
1 out of 1 members found this review helpful.
A great film of a fine book - A Tale of Two Cities review by AKL
A masterly performance by Dirk Bogarde and a great cast in a film of this much-read novel, though in black and white, which must remain as the definitive cinematic version.
1 out of 1 members found this review helpful.