Indiscreet

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.

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!

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

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.

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.