These Foolish Things

Diana and Robin are two youngsters who want to work in the entertainment business in 1939 London. Because, what the world needs is just another actress or playwright, especially on the verge of WWI.

The irony is that Diana wants so much to be an actress but everybody - except her boyfriend - tells her she's a bad actress, and that is the actual truth.

Funniest line, Diana telling Robin "I don't want to get a part just because you're writing it for me"... Diana darling, sleeping with the playwright (and the director) is the only way you are EVER going to get a part.

The main characters Diana and Robin are played by two unknown - for me - without any chemistry or subtlety. Not surprisingly, after this, they both ended up in the TV grinder of second-rate British series.

Bacall, Stamp, and Anjelica Huston play supporting roles. It is weird to think they must have been so much in need of yet another paycheck to accept starring in this stinker.

We watched this film at home from a DVD and found it a pleasing alternative to the garbage being shown at the local multiplex. Since we obtained the DVD from a local library, saving $20. and avoiding the cell phones in a theatre was an added bonus. We thought Zoe Tapper was endearing in the primary role and the other Brits supporting her all did a stellar job. We thought the American additions Angelica Huston and Lauren Bacall contributed little and would have preferred Judi Dench and Francesca Annis but that's reaching for the stars. Always enjoy the films of the World War II era because their music is so far superior to what passes for melody in contemporary "music." Finally, we had the bonus of the special features showing the director and cast commenting on the production of the film. If a sentimental couple is seeking nostalgia in their evening's entertainment at home, this DVD is a good choice.

Not the best film in the world but a good effort by upcoming director Taylor-Stanley. I'm giving it seven because it wasn't dreadful and because the film score was fantastic.

Some of the acting is stronger in some places; some is weaker - I wasn't overwhelmed by the performance of the leading role of Diana, but supporting roles were good: Andy Lincoln did a great piece as Lovell, and Terence Stamp was wonderful as Baker. There were one or two small anachronisms, but mostly what you'd consider "anorak" things; for instance there is one point in the office of a theatrical agent where he fakes a telephone call, and the wire connecting the hand-held part of the Telephone is curly whereas in the 30s it should have been straight. There was also the use of the phrase 'Jesus H Christ' which was an anachronism, but generally a good film. The film score was wonderful, Mr Lynn is a complete unknown but it appears that the risk Taylor-Stanley took by hiring him was worth it.

As mentioned above, as a combination of the film's strong and weak points, I give it 7 out of 10.

I showed this film at our local theatre, where I voluntarily act as cinema manager, presenting two Friday night film shows per month. We had a good turnout and our mature, discerning audience really enjoyed this light comedy romance set in London's West End, immediately prior to the outbreak of World War Two. Zoe Tapper makes a lovely, charming heroine while Leo Bill does well as her 'reptile cousin', Garstin. Terence Stamp steals the show as a butler delivering a succession of witty/sarcastic comments (which had our audience laughing out loud). Debutant director Julia Taylor-Stanley has produced a commendable first effort, - a piece of glamorous, escapist, old-fashioned cinema with a terrific cast and an outstanding music soundtrack. Perfect for those Senior Screen film shows, in my opinion!

Let me start by saying, I love British movies and TV shows. I've rarely seen one that I didn't like. This movie just didn't hold my interest, at all. First, as a costume designer for community theater for ov thirty years, I'm a huge fan of period pieces. The costumes in this movie seemed to be representative of the late 1930's, however, I just couldn't get over the character of Robin's hair. All of the other men had 1930's hair and Robin looked like a 2010 surfer dude. I felt the story was boring and just wasn't moving forward fast enough for me. The actors were bland, except for Douglas and Garsten Don't waste your time on this one.