prustage95

Other reviews here have quite rightly highlighted what a poor film this is. The fault lies pretty well entirely with the production and direction. It is potentially a good story - but this story had been done before and since always to better effect. The screenplay is pedestrian and makes nothing of the opportunities for tension and character development. Direction seems to be non-existent with the poor actors doing the best they can with poor material. Nothing is made of the iconic Viennese setting, the drama of the border crossing or the constant tension of the protagonist being a hunted man. If this were not bad enough the cinematography, lighting and sound are distinctly amateur.

Is there anything of value in this then? . Well Theodore Bikel shows early signs of the genuine talent that would become more apparent as his career developed. John Bentley gives a dependable performance in line with his more famous "Paul Temple" role. Of interest is Donald Grey who became better known on screen in the TV series "Saber of the Yard" where as a one-armed actor he chose to play the detective with an empty sleeve. In this he wears a prosthetic arm carefully turned away from the camera. Probably because of his disability and distinctive voice, in his later career he became known for voice overs, most notably in Gerry Anderson's Captain Scarlett.

Finally, anyone interested in film composers may detect the uncredited early work of Edwin (Ted) Astley here. This is from the beginning of Astley's career, before he developed the distinctive ITC style that provided the scores for The Saint, The Baron, Danger Man and many other great TV series of the 70's. Here, his style is complex and orchestral, borrowing ideas and actual cues from "Scotland Yard" an early 50's TV series by him.

Naughton's 1958 play Spring and Port wine was a phenomenal success both as a radio play and stage production - and deservedly so. It was inevitable that at some point the story should find its way onto film but, alas, this production does not do it justice.

The most enthusiastic reviews here on IMDb concentrate on the story - which is not surprising because it is a good story and an excellent snapshot of working class life in late 50's Bolton. But this filmed version loses a lot of the tension and drama so well-crafted in the play and adds nothing in return.

This technicolor lit-for-television view of Bolton looks more 70's than late 50's and combined with the cheerful music score is more evocative of contemporary "Carry On.." films than working class kitchen sink. Naughton had to write new material to flesh this out into a full movie and unfortunately the additional bits do nothing more than add stock Northern comedy characters into the mix. Not so much "port wine" as "Last of the Summer Wine".

As for performances - every one gives their best and the family ensemble generally works well together but there are times when you wish the direction had been a bit more "hands on" with tighter interactions in the humorous bits and more tension when serious. Susan George, once again shows that she is a better actor than frequently credited, Diana Copeland however doesn't seem to be able to shake off the caring middle-class mother image that she made her own in "Bless this House" and her desperate flight to the canal-side is far from convincing.

James Mason, of course, is excellent. His look, body language and general presence is spot on even though his accent has not an atom of Bolton in it. Great pity that some of his best lines and most telling moments are not given the directorial treatment they deserve.

I recommend the film because it is a story worth watching - especially if you haven't seen the play. But if you have seen the play you will spend it thinking how much better this could have been with a bit more 50's feel, Northern grit and the directing talents of Tony Richardson or John Schlesinger.

Synopsis: Lonely, scruffy old farmer brings in an attractive young girl as a housekeeper. He develops a lust/ love desire for her - she sees a way of making some money.

Pros: 1) Beautiful photography immersing you in the best or rural England: rolling landscape, green country buses, stone built villages. A great trip escapist trip for city dwellers. 2) Fantastic performances from John Mills (did he ever not do this?) and Celia White. 3) Engaging story that, although slow, keeps you just about interested

Cons: 1) This is really a short story dragged out to 90 mins. If you are happy to watch the scenery and absorb the mood then that's fine but there are some who, used to the constant sensual barrage that typifies so many recent films, might find this a bit slow 2) The shock ending isn't really necessary and doesn't feel like it belongs to the rest of the film

Unusual aspects: The film centres around Dulcima and we are expected to sympathise with her. However not only are her morals questionable but her ruthless exploitation of the old farmers loneliness suggest that she is not really a nice person at all. Meanwhile, the farmers totally understandable obsession with her is portrayed as being creepy. This is assuaged a little towards the end where we finally get a bit of pathos as we see his tragic wedding preparations in contrast to her desire to run off with her lover but in reality the pathos started much earlier and her duplicity and lack of empathy with him was always the root of the tragedy. One wonders how different this film would have been if our sympathies had been directed from the start to be with him rather than her.