Rent Under Capricorn (1949)

Costume Drama. - Under Capricorn review by Steve

Perhaps Alfred Hitchcock's least celebrated release from his American period, but there are still points of interest. He persists with the long edits used in Rope, but with less of a rigid aesthetic; there are some reaction shots cut in, and it is set in multiple locations.

It was admired by French critics, but failed everywhere else as audiences weren't going to pay a babysitter to go and watch a Hitchcock costume melodrama. As a historical film, it's high on hokum, but there is an interesting, if preposterous story and the Australian setting is a novelty.

Ingrid Bergman is miscast as an Irish alcoholic but whenever a scene catches fire, it's when she's on screen. Joseph Cotten broods effectively, but Michael Wilding seems more intent on impersonating Cary Grant than a 19th century Irish aristocrat. His future wife Margaret Leighton is better as a Mrs. Danvers type housekeeper.

There are a few memorable episodes, particularly a dinner party held by a murderer (Cotten) which the ladies of Sydney are too genteel to attend, and broken up by a pie eyed Ms. Bergman. It's a rare Hitchcock film that has nothing to offer, but it's not obvious why he made this one.