Adam and Evalyn

Eh, to each his own. It was an okay film, but honestly, I find the way Evlyne so swiftly went from thinking that Adam was her father to being romantically in-love with him rather disturbing. I get that the heart wants what the heart wants and all that, but in my humble opinion, this is one case where it would have been better to keep it a father-daughter relationship. Once Evelyn found out the truth, Adam could have just said that it doesn't matter, because he'll be her honorary father, and that would have been sweet and noble. But, the way the story develops takes that away in a sense, and it feels a trite incestuous to me.

I bought this movie because I love Granger and Simmons so much in 'Young Bess'. The quality of the VHS copy however is disappointing, I wonder if it due to repairing technical problems or lack of budget? Nevertheless, it is still worth the money because every once is a while, there will be a close-up of Granger or Simmons that is clear enough for an audience appreciation.

Granger and Simmons radiate their charms so effortlessly here because the characters they played are practically themselves--English socialites. The overall delightful result may look easy but it is however important that the script did not step into any wrong note.

Stewart Granger is "Adam", a rather raffish gambler who, when his wartime friend "Chris" dies, adopts his daughter "Evelyn" (Jean Simmons) who has hitherto been living in an orphanage. Initially he pretends that he is her father, but that is soon exposed by his friends and the two must now treat honestly - or as honestly as he knows how - with each other and the bond begins to mature, much to the chagrin of the rather calculating Helen Cherry... Both stars work well together, and the simple story is a well written and directed tale of deceit, deception and some good old-fashioned love and with Wilfred Hyde-White (another of those actors whose voice has a instantly identifiable silky timbre) adds a little charm to the proceedings, too - and in the end it all comes down to a moustache!

OK so this film does not break any new ground but its worth watching to see the effortless way the two principal actors (Jean Simmons and Stewart Granger) give an impressive performance overcoming the somewhat well worn themes dealt with in the script. Jean Simmons turns from a backward English schoolgirl of the 50's into a stunning deliciously irresistible asexual goddess which will leave all men with a revived faith in the female of the species, at least for a few minutes after watching the film.

Stewart Granger seldom spoke with affection of his movies, but this he spoke glowingly of as "a charming light comedy". Doubtless his mellow recall of this engaging trifle was due to the offscreen rapport he was developing offscreen with his radiant young co-star (they were married the following year), who gracefully matures onscreen from an innocent young waif who inquires "What's a hangover?" to a young woman by losing her beret, having her hair shortened and discovering champagne. And men.

One would think how fresh and unspoilt Simmons was in this; but she never lost the glow with which she was still lighting up the screen twenty years later.