Could American cinematic achievement get too much better than this 40’s masterpiece? With its striking production design by William Cameron Menzies, all captured in gloriously lit B/W by master director of photography James Wong Howe - under solid direction by Sam Wood. A string of handpicked performers then brings Henry Bellamann’s strong human story to life. Now add Australian-born screenplay writer Casey Robinson’s adaptation that sparkles from beginning to end - analyzing the fascinating and complex characters, even perhaps, managing to tidy up some situations. This unique examination of the pioneering days of Psychology, set in a small rural American town - follows the lives of an intriguing mix of diverse characters, whose lives intertwine dramatically through their youth into adulthood.
Robert Cummings gives an in-depth portrayal as Paris Mitchell, being tutored by the darkly brooding Dr Tower (Claude Rains as masterful as ever). Betty Field never looked more becoming as the troubled Cassandra, Dr Tower’s closely guarded daughter. Ronald Reagan, possibly one of the USA’s better Presidents (regardless of the naysayers) is given a rare worthy role as Paris’s friend Drake. The marvelous late starter, Harry Davenport (who never fails to deliver) as Colonel Skeffington the town's legal adviser, there’s also versatile Charles Coburn powerful as the menacing Dr Gordon. Everyone in adult roles gives unforgettable performances, and while some of the children may be patchy in the early section, the adults more than make up for it.
A big expansive score by Erich Wolfgang Korngold lives up to his descriptive style delivering musical perfection. With a story covering a wide time frame, it could seem episodic to some but this represents Hollywood in its finest years. Great Ending. Highly recommended to purists seeking Noir filmmaking at its peak.
Kings Row - Into The Mind
Could American cinematic achievement get too much better than this 40’s masterpiece? With its striking production design by William Cameron Menzies, all captured in gloriously lit B/W by master director of photography James Wong Howe - under solid direction by Sam Wood. A string of handpicked performers then brings Henry Bellamann’s strong human story to life. Now add Australian-born screenplay writer Casey Robinson’s adaptation that sparkles from beginning to end - analyzing the fascinating and complex characters, even perhaps, managing to tidy up some situations. This unique examination of the pioneering days of Psychology, set in a small rural American town - follows the lives of an intriguing mix of diverse characters, whose lives intertwine dramatically through their youth into adulthood.
Robert Cummings gives an in-depth portrayal as Paris Mitchell, being tutored by the darkly brooding Dr Tower (Claude Rains as masterful as ever). Betty Field never looked more becoming as the troubled Cassandra, Dr Tower’s closely guarded daughter. Ronald Reagan, possibly one of the USA’s better Presidents (regardless of the naysayers) is given a rare worthy role as Paris’s friend Drake. The marvelous late starter, Harry Davenport (who never fails to deliver) as Colonel Skeffington the town's legal adviser, there’s also versatile Charles Coburn powerful as the menacing Dr Gordon. Everyone in adult roles gives unforgettable performances, and while some of the children may be patchy in the early section, the adults more than make up for it.
A big expansive score by Erich Wolfgang Korngold lives up to his descriptive style delivering musical perfection. With a story covering a wide time frame, it could seem episodic to some but this represents Hollywood in its finest years. Great Ending. Highly recommended to purists seeking Noir filmmaking at its peak.