Cariño amargo

Heavy dramatics and a suffocating atmosphere make this a challenge at times. What it has to balance out all the weighty goings on is acting of the highest order. Dean Martin, Yvette Mimieux and Gene Tierney all contribute excellent work but the real fireworks is between Geraldine Page and Wendy Hiller as Dean's sisters.

While Gerry Page has the showier role it's Wendy Hiller who gives the film's best performance. With subdued delivery and subtle looks she conveys a wealth of background into both who she is and the history of the entire family's dynamic. It's a wise choice, if she had fluttered and extrapolated as Page's Carrie does the viewer would never be able to make it past the first five minutes of the film.

One step removed from a Tennessee Williams chamber piece this will be enjoyed most by fans of his work as well as fans of great acting.