Rent Under Capricorn (1949)
3.1 of 5 from 72 ratings
1h 57min
- General info
- Available formats
- Synopsis:
This rare Hitchcock costume drama unfolds in 1831 Sydney, Australia and concerns Irish noblewoman Lady Henrietta Flusky and her working-class husband Sam whom are escaping a secret and tragic past. Cotton has become a man of wealth but is not accepted socially and Lady Henrietta is a raging alcoholic and verging on madness, enter Hon. Charles Adare whom she had known in Ireland an a passionate love triangle ensues as their tragic past is revealed. Under Capricorn had a troubled production due to Bergman's infamous love affair with the Italian director Robert Rossellini which resulted in her exile from Hollywood, but nevertheless it is an underrated masterpiece that is surely on of the best 'costume' films of the 1940's. - Actors:
- Ingrid Bergman, Joseph Cotten, Michael Wilding, Margaret Leighton, Cecil Parker, Denis O'Dea, Jack Watling, Harcourt Williams, John Ruddock, Bill Shine, Victor Lucas, Ronald Adam, Francis De Wolff, G.H. Mulcaster, Olive Sloane
- Directors:
- Alfred Hitchcock
- Writers:
- John Colton, Margaret Linden
- Studio:
- Blackhorse Entertainment
- Genres:
- Classics, Drama
- Collections:
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Reviews (1) of Under Capricorn
Costume Drama. - Under Capricorn review by Steve
Perhaps Alfred Hitchcock's least celebrated release from his American period, but there are still points of interest. He persists with the long edits used in Rope, but with less of a rigid aesthetic; there are some reaction shots cut in, and it is set in multiple locations.
It was admired by French critics, but failed everywhere else as audiences weren't going to pay a babysitter to go and watch a Hitchcock costume melodrama. As a historical film, it's high on hokum, but there is an interesting, if preposterous story and the Australian setting is a novelty.
Ingrid Bergman is miscast as an Irish alcoholic but whenever a scene catches fire, it's when she's on screen. Joseph Cotten broods effectively, but Michael Wilding seems more intent on impersonating Cary Grant than a 19th century Irish aristocrat. His future wife Margaret Leighton is better as a Mrs. Danvers type housekeeper.
There are a few memorable episodes, particularly a dinner party held by a murderer (Cotten) which the ladies of Sydney are too genteel to attend, and broken up by a pie eyed Ms. Bergman. It's a rare Hitchcock film that has nothing to offer, but it's not obvious why he made this one.
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