The Late George Apley

THE LATE GEORGE APLEY is the sort of comedy of manners that audiences could appreciate in the '40s and '50s before more explosive entertainment took center stage. It's performed with great charm and skill by a talented cast--and especially by Ronald Colman (in the sort of stuffy role he was born to play) and by the charming British actress Peggy Cummins. Viewing her here, one can understand why Zanuck found her unsuitable to play Amber St. Claire in FOREVER AMBER--charming but immature in stature and looks.

The cast seems to be relishing their roles in this tale of Boston bluebloods striving to uphold the family's social status. Vanessa Brown and Richard Ney, unfortunately, are the least appealing aspects of the supporting cast in rather colorless roles. Richard Haydn shines, as he always does in these sort of things.

Only fans of Ronald Colman can truly appreciate this sort of period piece. It flows smoothly but with little ventilation seeping into the musty households and other interiors and seems more like a stage play soon to be seen on Masterpiece Theatre.