Really high class production and acting
- A Tale of Two Cities review by CD
Thoroughly enjoyed this production, having recently read the novel for the first time. Dirk Bogarde is suitably laconic as the lawyer Sydney Carton. The backdrop of the French Revolution and some creepy characters in Paris make this film dark and interesting. Christopher Lee is great as a sadistic nobleman. Thoroughly recommended for the satisfying moral compass in the film and the action.
2 out of 2 members found this review helpful.
A great film of a fine book
- A Tale of Two Cities review by AKL
A masterly performance by Dirk Bogarde and a great cast in a film of this much-read novel, though in black and white, which must remain as the definitive cinematic version.
1 out of 1 members found this review helpful.
The best of films, not the worst of films…
- A Tale of Two Cities review by HW
This is a faithful, atmospheric and moving adaptation of the book. The streamlining of the plot did actually help clear up some of the novel’s complexities for me, as we follow a range of characters from London to revolutionary Paris. Dirk Bogarde’s turn as our alcoholic, bitter hero Sydney Carton did move me to tears by the end. The other main parts also did justice to the strong emotions of the characters. Also fun to see horror legends Donald Pleasance and Christopher Lee in small villainous parts! All in all, if you haven’t read the book this is still an impressive historical drama of revenge and romance that swings from Gothic suspense to revolutionary hysteria, with raging street battles in Paris.
1 out of 1 members found this review helpful.
Historical Drama.
- A Tale of Two Cities review by Steve
Reverent adaptation of Charles Dickens' historical epic of the French revolution, which is a fine star vehicle for Dirk Bogarde as the insouciant cynic who makes the ultimate sacrifice, for love. The script makes a fair attempt at cutting the lengthy novel down to under two hours; the result is superficial, but it does hit the important dramatic marks.
While Bogarde is perfect casting, Dorothy Tutin is little more than pretty as the innocent who wins his devotion. As so often with Dickens, the minor roles are more memorable, with Donald Pleasence a perfect perfidious traitor. Rosalie Crutchley stands out as a vicious, reptilian champion of the revolution about to get swallowed up by history.
The 1935 MGM version is better; more spectacular, with greater historical depth. It's bewildering that Ralph Thomas didn't elect to use Technicolor and CinemaScope to at least differentiate his remake. Still, the sets and costumes are convincing, and the location photography in the Loire Valley brings some authenticity.
And it will take a hard heart to not blink away a tear as Bogarde ascends the platform to the guillotine for the rousing climax. Accompanied by a narration of Dickens' famous closing lines... This version gets the story done and it doesn't fumble some of the most famous scenes in fiction, but it stays well clear of the politics.
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