User reviews

Out of Warner Brothers, Indiscreet is directed by Stanley Donen and stars Ingrid Bergman & Cary Grant, with support coming from Cecil Parker, Phyllis Calvert, David Kossoff & Megs Jenkins. It is based on the play "Kind Sir" written by Norman Krasna. Plot sees Bergman as Anna Kalman, an accomplished actress who can't believe her luck when she finally meets the man of her dreams, Philip Adams (Grant). However, Phillip is keeping a secret, a secret that Anna finds out about and promptly sets about getting even with him for.

Indiscreet is a very simple movie. Grant and Bergman re-team again 12 years after making Notorious with Alfred Hitchcock. Their chemistry is again sparkling and Donen utilises it to the maximum by naturally building the film around the charismatic stars. There's no hidden agendas here, the movie knows it is breezy and understands that good writing (edgy at times) and two comfortable actors can make for good entertainment. It starts off slow, but the character build up pays off once Grant & Bergman start their romance, in fact the comedy is indeed thin on the ground for the first half of the film. But once the secret at the core of the plot is out, the comedy kicks into gear, with a dancing party sequence joyous and alone is worth watching the film for.

Also note worthy is the London location which provides a fitting back drop to the well mannered, well to do, coupling of Anna & Phillip. While the costumes too are pleasing and hang nicely off of the two aesthetically safe-in middle-age actors. It's no screwball, far from it, so any expectation of that will surely disappoint newcomers. And true to say it's very old fashioned and of its time as regards its romantic ideals. But that's OK, we like light hearted well written comedy, especially when it's performed as smooth as it is here. 7/10

I can't believe that some people thought any part of this film was boring! It isn't an action movie. It's about the developing relationship between two mature people and it is, indeed, a comedy. There are some great lines from Ingrid, who holds one spellbound throughout - with her acting, with her beauty and with those elegant gowns. Sorry, don't even mention those other actresses in the same breath as Bergman! She is in a class of her own - and shows it in this film. She was 42 when she filmed it - and it really doesn't make any difference. She's not pretending to be a young girl with her first lover. As for any comparison with "Notorious" - no! You can't compare these two films. Both are great, both star Bergman and Grant - similarity ends there! I would like to add that the supporting roles are admirably played by all - especially the brilliant Cecil Parker [Alfred Munson], who had me in stitches. Mary Hutchings [founder, Ingrid Bergman International at Yahoo Clubs]

Anna Kalman (Ingrid Bergman) is an accomplished actress who has given up hope of finding the man of her dreams. She is talking about this subject with her sister, when in walks Philip Adams (Cary Grant). She realizes that this is the charming, smart and handsome man she has been waiting for. They begin a relationship, but she finds out that he has been keeping a secret from her. When she learns of his lie, she becomes furious and works out a plan for revenge.

Indiscreet was nominated for three Golden Globes, two BAFTAs and one Writers Guild of America award, but failed to win any of them. This is unfortunate. While not the best work from Bergman, Grant or Donen, they are a powerful triple threat... this has the twist and turns of a spy thriller with the heart of a romantic comedy.

In general, I liked Indiscreet. Starting with the film's problems, the story is very slight and some scenes are non-eventful. While not the only film to suffer from this problem, the pacing has a tendency to become very pedestrian, and finally the film's length(100 minutes) may try the viewer's patience, especially with the slow pacing. But even with its problems, it is a charming film, not as good in my opinion as An Affair to Remember but there are a lot of good things about it. Indiscreet is lovely to look at, Ingrid Bergman looks really elegant in her dresses and her apartment is drop dead gorgeous! The cinematography and scenery is also really lovely. I also really liked the score, it was haunting and beautiful and had the hypnotic power than Rachmaninov has in his piano concertos. Stanley Donen directs efficiently, and the dialogue does sparkle. As does the performances and chemistry of Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman, who are great together and each of them are believable in their roles. In terms of effective scenes, the party scene was great fun, it was a real joy to see Grant making "a fool of himself" dancing. Overall, charming if very slight, elevated by the two lead performances. 7/10 Bethany Cox

I, like many others, I'm sure watched this movie because of the star power attached. Fans of Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman will not be disappointed. Cary Grant is as debonair and sophisticated as ever and Ingrid Bergman is as glamourous and yet down to earth as ever. The leads share wonderful chemistry and their romance is absolutely believable. The complications that need to be resolved from them to live happily ever after provide great comedic situations. Sparkling dialgoue and sure handed direction from Stanley Donen make this vehicle a must see for fans of these two Hollywood icons, 8/10.

Star trifle wastes Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman on stuffy, inferior material. Derived from the play "Kind Sir", plot has a popular stage actress falling for an American Diplomat in London; trouble is, he says he's married. Director Stanley Donen stages the proceedings just like a play (the only exception is a funny sequence involving split-screen). Ingrid is classy and lovely (as usual), but there are no sparks between she and Grant, who is a real mystery; at half-mast for the first hour, Cary suddenly livens up...and perhaps goes too far, becoming hammy and obnoxious. The plot has too few twists, although the last-act is witty and features some clever dialogue. ** from ****

Average romance/comedy made above average by the mere presence of two legendary movie stars.The story moves along quite slow but romance comedy fans will be rewarded during the second part of the movie as the complications stir up the energy a bit.The script and screenplay could have been much better but the cinematography,despite limited settings,was good enough to capture the charm of the two lead superstars.Only for fans of the lead stars and big fans of romance/comedy movies.......

Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman give a masterclass in screen chemistry, and look very much like a couple in the throes of new love. That strange fascination you have for each other, the long, almost quizzical stares, comfortable moments of silence - it's all there, given ample time to breathe and play out naturally by director Stanley Donen's unhurried camera.

The ending feels a little rushed though, especially in the final moments, and the film as a whole feels considerably longer than its runtime but those flaws are far from fatal. What's a little more disappointing is the lack of any really remarkable humour. It nails the romance, but seems undecided as to whether it wants to be a comedy or not. Before the jarring switch to semi-farce in the final act most of the humour comes from supporting actors and consequently feels like something of an afterthought.

Overall this is a class act. A sophisticated, quiet romantic comedy that sees everyone involved at the top of their game. And while it's not a perfect confection it's sweet enough to satisfy even the most helpless of romantics.

A British-based light romantic comedy,adapted from a stage play,INDISCREET is basically a gossamer-thin opus which is often constrained by it's theatrical origins,but is totally redeemed by the incomparable Cary Grant and the almost-as-incomparable Ingrid Bergman.The settings,story and characters are frightfully upper-middle class,an often resistible brew,but Grant's matchless skill as a light comedian and actor,allied with immense charm and ever-youthful handsomeness,and a surprisingly deft comic performance by Bergman,not at her peak of attractiveness but still striking in her early forties,give the sometimes under-nourished script a resonance it didn't really have.The result is a enjoyable and very pleasant hour and a half.It dosen't provoke guffaws or hearty roars of laughter,more a lengthy,admiring smile throughout it's running time,but this is not to it's detriment.Stanley Donen's direction is perfectly adequate,though a greater opening out and use of exterior scenes would have reduced the sometimes static quality of the narrative.The supporting cast consists of familiar British character actors like Cecil Parker,Megs Jenkins,Phyllis Calvert and David Kossoff,always welcome contributors and they add invaluably to the fun.But it is Grant and Bergman who carry the film all the way,also making a potentially maudlin final scene(despite ending rather abruptly)rather sweet and touching.

Appreciation for the 1958 romantic comedy 'Indiscreet' will likely depend on one's interest in watching the two stars, Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman, play out romantic scenarios. Though both deliver charming performances, one is left with the impression that the generic and largely unfunny script would have come apart completely in less capable hands. As it is, 'Indiscreet' is not a bad movie. The performances of the two leads, together with a few genuinely amusing moments towards the end as the couple's tangled schemes start to unravel, are enough to compensate for its deficiencies. However, for another, much finer, Bergman/Grant romance, try Alfred Hitchcock's 'Notorious.'

Fun fluff from Bergman and Grant. It takes a while, but the two definitely create sparks on screen. Not quite as much chemistry as they had in Notorious, but it's still fun to watch. The story leaves something to be desired and there is far too much silence between them - when we would rather hear them banter. But just watching these two on screen together is reason enough to enjoy the movie.

One of my very favorite movies. Why? It's such a perfect little gem of a film that it's almost impossible to take it apart to see how it works. It is undeniably a slight film, but it has the elegant simplicity of a fine Swiss watch.

Bergman and Grant's characters live in a world of wealth - fine clothing and food, casual international travel, servants but always come across as real people in a real romance - funny, tempermental, charming, silly, scheming, brilliant, irrational and clever.

The film is one of the great treasures of the romance/light comedy genre.

(Oh. With all due respect to Ms. Down and Mr. Wagner, the fact that this film was remade in the 1990's with Robert Wagner and Lesley-Anne Down is one of the great sins of Hollywood.)

It is more than a little irritating that many men improve in looks with age but that only a few women do. Cary Grant, James Stewart, Paul Newman, Sean Connery, Gregory Peck and many other male movie stars ( not Clark Gable though) seem to develop more charm and sex appeal along with the wrinkles and grey hair. This preamble is by way of saying that Cary Grant is convincingly cast in 'Indiscreet' as a middle aged Romeo (he was 54) whereas the beautiful Ingrid Bergman is a tad too old at 43 to be playing the role of a beautiful theatrical star with whom Cary Grant falls instantly in love and gives up his bachelor life for. I could not help but compare 'Indiscreet ' with their last pairing together in 'Notorious' in 1946 twelve years earlier. Cary Grant is as suave, debonair and handsome as ever in 'Indiscreet '. Ingrid Bergman's beauty though, has by no means waned but rather matured into middle age - as well as becoming a size bigger. Or perhaps it is just that every movie star looks better in black and white.

No matter, it is still an endearing film with elegant sets and costumes. If only the comedy element had been played up more and the dewy romance element played down - in the style of the 1930s films such as 'My Favourite Wife' and 'The Awful Truth'. Cary Grant is at his supreme best in this type of comedy. The best part in 'Indiscreet' for me was the comedy scene when Cary Grant danced in a highland reel - it was hilarious. I am sure that with more emphasis on the comedy side and with better lines, Ingrid Bergman could have been a match for Irene Dunne or Rosalind Russell.

Don't let my comments put you off. Any film starring these two incomparable and much loved stars is worth a watch.

Stanley Donen, the great director who made fine films truly went downhill and ' Staircase ' was an example of how low he had fallen, and sadly in its trite way is this film. Ingrid Berman, who should have known better after the films she made with Rossellini should have known better than to accept this awful script. Cary Grant is cold and two cold performances cannot generate any heat. Neither Bergman or Grant help each other to create a spark, and the snobbery of the film is often offensive. The only story I wanted to know was that of the man in the lift who had to keep on pressing the button for them as they were too lazily important to do it for themselves. Phyllis Calvert deserves the grudging 3 I am giving this outdated nonsense. Megs Jenkins and the fine David Kossoff are given minor parts, but thanks to their presence and Calvert the film comes to what is called life. Bergman who is an actress in the film fails utterly. For those who want to see her truly act see ' Journey to Italy ' and Ingmar Bergman;s ' Autumn Sonata '.

I have been reading some of the comments about this film. Everyone needs to lighten up - This movie is basically what movie making is supposed to be about: ENTERTAINMENT! This is a light comedy. It stars two of the screens finest: Ingrid Bergman and Cary Grant. It has no hidden message, no hidden meanings. Just sit back and enjoy the performances. The entire cast is splendid - and directed very, very well. It was intended to be a "fun" film. It is fun to see the relationship blossom - it's fun to see the chaos that ensues. I have always adored Ingrid Bergman - I have always loved Cary Grant. You'll love them, too. Stanley Donen made very adult films, meaning subject, not content in this case. There is nothing in this film that children should not see - they just won't understand it. But it was not made for kids anyway, so, pop some popcorn, grab a soda, put your feet up and have fun watching this film!

Cary Grant & Ingrid Bergman are my favorite movie couple, of all time!!! They have undeniable chemistry together. I wish, they could've done many more movies. ''Indiscreet'' is a very enjoyable, and delightful film. Any fans of Cary & Ingrid must see! Though, the script is not as interesting, as ''Notorious''. Cary & Ingrid's presence, makes that seem invisible. Neither, Cary nor Ingrid, looked 10 years older, since their last collaboration in ''Notorious''. What makes, their teaming so meaningful. Is the fact, that Cary & Ingrid are close friends in real life. Cary has commented, that Ingrid is one of his favorite leading ladies. In 1957, Cary also accepted the Oscar for Ingrid, as Best Actress. ''Indiscreet'' is probably, Ingrid's first US comedy, and proves she's a very versatile actress. She's very sweet, and charming in this movie. Not to mention, funny. Unlike some actresses, who are in comedies, but still acts like, they're in drama. Cary, was debonair and suave, as usual. What surprised me, was that he looked younger, than when he was in ''To Catch a Thief''! Which was made earlier. One reason could be, the pairing with Ingrid. The bedroom scene in ''Indiscreet'' is most memorable. Ingrid, shows-off her comedic ability. I just can't, get enough of Cary & Ingrid, they were superb in ''Notorious'', but because of the plot, their relationship seemed bittersweet. ''Indiscreet'', makes up for that, the characters are warm, funny and romantic. Most importantly, Cary & Ingrid looks gorgeous in Technicolor!!!

I have been looking forward to seeing "Indiscreet" for years, as it stars two of my all-time favorite actors. Was I ever disappointed! I was expecting Bergman and Grant to equal their stunning performances in "Notorious (1946)," which I highly recommend, but instead it turned out to be one of the worst movies I've ever seen.

It's billed as a comedy, but is actually a dull-a-thon. Not only did I not laugh even once, the corners of my lips didn't even twitch in a smile. Not even once! I couldn't stand to watch it till the end, and turned it off after about an hour of excruciating boredom. The characters were dull, the dialog was boring, the sets and costumes were commonplace and the plot went nowhere. Don't waste your time with this turkey.