Zanuck's elaborate and entertaining costume drama is arguably one of the era's most colorful and controversial films. Based on Kathleen Winsor's lush and scandalous (at the time) book, this film is a beautiful example of Technicolor spectacle at its finest. Sadly, the DVD version advertised here (the only way to see this film on DVD) appears to have been minted from a VHS copy, and a poor one at that. The film was censored and trimmed almost beyond repair before its release, and this print (like the existing VHS copies) eliminates the final scene, in which Amber accepts the invitation of King Charles' secretary to be his mistress, and the opening prologue, in which it was promised Amber would "pay" for her casual sexuality. The image itself is muddy, often too dark to see in night scenes, and grainy, so I'd advise DVD buyers to think carefully before spending too much money on it. The movie itself would rate five solid stars: it's not a towering masterpiece, but it is a wonderful example of forties style and excess. The DVD, unfortunately, is a letdown, and some fans may wish to wait for a full restoration, and hold on to their existing VHS tapes.
November 29, 2008I really enjoyed the film, though having not read the book feel unqualified to make comments about the screenplay. But as a professional musician I feel that I must comment on the music by Raksin which is the finest example of original romantic film scoring I have ever heard, helped by some sublime string playing. The violin and cello solos are heartbreakingly beautiful. Surely it's worth seeing the film for the music alone.
April 16, 2007used to read this book every summer growing up, was thrilled when I found it in video format. Almost verbatim to book, great read, great movie.
January 11, 2007 |  | Linda Darnell was a beauty |  |
and a good actress. I saw this movie years ago on a Sunday afternoon when I was a kid and loved it. Ms. Darnell was so stunning, and the story wasen't too corny. She played a simple farm girl who had big ambitions. If you can look past the men swaggering, calling each other out and the laughable "Come here wench!" dialogue, it's really kind of a modern woman wanting more for herself than what men think she should have and be happy with. George Sanders is at his sarcastic, snippy and sleazy best, as the king. Wish this was on DVD. Enjoy!
September 15, 2006 | | MAKE SURE YOU READ THE BOOK! | |
I recently finished the 1944 book, giving it a 5-star rating. I was intrigued when I discovered the movie. It is roughly edited and the plot is very choppy. I was glad that I had read the book prior to its viewing. There are too many characters with little to no background explanation or development(and they all look alike). The storyline is abbreviated (leaving out major segments of the book and its plot development), but you do get some idea of the culture of King Charles II's court and times, and Amber's "Me 1st attitude" and total self-absorption. Not worth the buy, but rental an option for a rainy day.
February 17, 2006More reviews at Amazon.com ...
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