I Thank a Fool

I became aware of this film in 2010 when i was asked by my (then) girlfriend's sister to find her a copy. Their family come from, (and several still live in), Crookhaven in West Cork where the final scenes of the film were shot and several members of her family were used as extras. An uncle appears in the pub scenes and two of her brothers can be seen in the graveyard scene. Also, many local people known to them were featured. I tracked down a copy of the film and sent it over. I'm told that several viewings were arranged for the villagers (who number only about fifty people in the "off season") and much fun was had identifying local people in the film. The film itself has a strange, pretty unbelievable plot and i really can't imagine why Peter Finch and Susan Hayward agreed to star in it! Maybe they fancied a trip to Ireland! There are several "mistakes" in the film, although these are only obvious if you know Crookhaven. The graveyard scene is supposed to be after a Catholic service but was actually filmed in the Protestant graveyard, and when the bus arrives in the village it comes from the wrong direction, and later leaves in the wrong direction, Crookhaven being a dead end, the bus arriving and leaving by a road that doesn't exist! Still, the film does provide interesting external shots of The Marconi Tower and O'Sullivan's bar is a very nice place to have a beer today, as it was then. Go and see for yourself and tell Dermot O'Sullivan that Jeff says hello!

Audrey Erskine-Lindop wrote in a variety of genres and has proved popular with film makers. Although having seen all of them I must confess to having read none of the originals but judging by a synopsis of her 1958 novel 'I thank a Fool', this film adaptation is quite another story!

Unusually for the time it introduces the emotive and controversial issue of 'mercy killing' and the film is topped and tailed by a trial and an inquest. One would hazard a guess that these were inserted by uncredited contributor John Mortimer. The leading female character has been considerably changed to accommodate the age and persona of the customary American import but as she is played by the splendid Susan Hayward, who's complaining? The always-good-value Peter Finch plays the barrister whose prosecution puts her behind bars for manslaughter and who later proceeds to hire her to look after his schizophrenic wife! Yes, it's that sort of movie. The wife is played by Diane Cilento and although her Irish accent is rather in-and-out, she engages our sympathy and acquits herself well in a very demanding role. Playing her drunken, despicable father is Cyril Cusack who succeeds once again in stealing all of his scenes. Both Athene Seyler and Richard Wattis impress and there are brief but brilliant cameos by Miriam Karlin as a tart and Peter Sallis as a lecherous doctor. Even cigar store Indian Kieron Moore shows signs of life.

Superlative camerawork by Harry Waxman and what is for him an unusual score by Ron Goodwin which includes the tried and trusted Theramin for 'atmospheric' purposes.

There are a few plotholes along the way whilst the ending is somewhat contrived but very much in keeping with the melodramatic mood of the piece. Rather like the curate's egg, it is not all bad but is particularly good in parts.

Whatever its weaknesses it is infinitely preferable to director Robert Stevens' next collaboration with Peter Finch, 'In the cool of the Day' but that quite frankly would not be difficult.

This is an odd, somewhat offbeat film, best appreciated if you're in the mood for a satisfying guilty pleasure. It helps to have a certain taste for this sort of thing - an atmospheric adult melodrama of the kind they don't make anymore. The plot meanders and the suspense falls flat, but there's enough going on to keep the viewer interested. Susan Hayward looks beautiful and though she has a tendency to overact in many of her movies, here she's a bit more subdued while still maintaining her tough-as-nails persona. Peter Finch brings his reliably commanding presence to his role. Diane Cilento looks great and gets to act crazy. The ending tries to be a clever twist but is rather ludicrous, just like the rest of the film. Overall "I Thank a Fool" provides a pleasant diversion.

Two of the more competent actors of their era were Peter Finch and Susan Hayward who star in this film shot in the British Isles at MGM's British Studio with some stunning location photography.

Academy Award Winner Susan Hayward looking as beautiful as ever inherited this movie after Academy Award Winner Ingrid Bergrman left the project, and Hayward who considered Bergman her favorite actress said"If It's Good Enough For Bergman It is Good Enough For Me". Always professional in her work Susan Hayward was a commanding actress one who dominated every scene Hayward was in. I am not sure I followed the story line of 'I Thank A Fool' and that maybe that Susan Hayward half way during the shoot objected to the Euthanasia theme and the story was a changed, so all of this seems a bit muddled.

This movie is strictly for Susan Hayward fans.

Stripped of her medical credentials after being convicted of manslaughter for the mercy killing of her ailing married lover, Canadian doctor in London serves 18 months behind bars, only to be hired by the prosecutor once she's released. His child-like wife requires a companion after suffering brain damage from a car accident, but the doctor (very slowly) discovers the wife's real problem is mental illness, specifically paranoid schizophrenia. Middling adaptation of Audrey Erskine-Lindop's 1958 novel, ostensibly a good vehicle for star Susan Hayward, though she's rather colorless as the physician who uncovers a house full of secrets. Moderately engrossing melodrama, handsomely produced on-location in London and Ireland, but saddled with a far-fetched explanation at the finish line. ** from ****