1957's 'The Barretts of Wimpole Street' is not the first version of Rudolf Beiser's stage play or the real life romance of Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning. There is also the 1934 film, seen two years ago, with Fredric March, Norma Shearer and Charles Laughton and aslso directed by Sidney Franklin, which is on the whole a great film especially the performances of Shearer and Laughton (March and the overlength being the weak links). Despite being nervous about it being an extremely close remake, it was still seen anyway because of the story and for the wonderful Sir John Gielgud.
Actually found this a well worth watching and worthy remake, or more other version, and it fares better than quite a lot of them. The reason why there was apprehension about this is due to having seen some very close, word for word, shot for shot remakes that are abysmally executed, a very strong example being 1998's 'Psycho', and was really hoping that it would not be on that level. Thankfully it's not and it didn't feel completely pointless, as there is enough for it to stand on its own and a lot works on its own merits. The earlier film is the superior film definitely in my view, but this version of 'The Barretts of Wimpole Street' shouldn't immediately be written off.
'The Barretts of Wimpole Street' isn't perfect. It does drag at times, the original did do as well but not as significantly, especially in the final act which feels over stretched and lacks tension.
Did feel too that it does focus a little too much on the romance, which isn't as intriguing or as atmospheric as the father and daughter relationship (which was always more interesting before) and it is here where some over faithfulness is apparent. That Bill Travers is on the bland side at times doesn't help.
However, there are a lot of things done right. It is very sumptuously and atmospherically made and doesn't feel too stagy. Jones looks absolutely beautiful in her costumes. Bronislau Kaper's score is haunting and lusciously scored without being too melodramatic. Franklin gives direction as polished, as sensitive and as distinguished as other works of his and throughout 'The Barretts of Wimpole Street' is written with great intelligence and dignity. It doesn't suffer from being too talky like other play-to-film adaptations did at the time and the story remains gripping and didn't feel draggy or creaky mostly.
Especially in the father and daughter relationship which effectively gives one the shivers and has some real intensity. Travers and Jones do have some nice subtle chemistry but it doesn't have the same impact as the chemistry between Jones and Gielgud. The supporting cast are solid and Jones gives a nuanced, deeply felt performance (didn't think her pallid at all), but the acting honours go to Gielgud at his most sinister as a monster of a character.
In summary, well worth watching and worthy. 7/10.
