Ann Harding is a young girl who must take off "The Seventh Veil," referring to the last veil of Salome, in this 1945 psychological drama also starring James Mason and Herbert Lom. Harding plays Francesca, who becomes the ward of Nicholas (Mason), a friend of her father's, when she is a young girl. Learning of her musical talent, Nicholas molds her into a first-class concert pianist, and she launches on a career. All the while, she is completely under his control. When she falls in love with a jazz musician, Nicholas takes her to Paris to study. Once her career is in full bloom and she is of age, she falls in love with an artist and runs away with him. A terrible accident hospitalizes her, and after a suicide attempt, a psychiatrist (Lom) begins to work with her, as she now believes she cannot ever play the piano again.
This is a very well-done film with excellent performances. Mason is passive, mysterious and intimidating as Nicholas, a man who also has an edge of violence when pushed too hard. There is a scene where he stands backstage and watches Francesca play the piano; his face softens as he smiles, and the character reveals more of himself. As Francesca, the pretty Harding has the right mix of submission and then passion when she needs it. Lom, ever the chameleon, does a wonderful job as the psychiatrist.
The music played by Francesca throughout the film is fantastic as is the somewhat dreary atmosphere in which Francesca lives. The ending is too abrupt but also in a way satisfying. One hopes that both Francesca and Nicholas are on their way to becoming whole people.
Highly recommended.
This is a very well-done film with excellent performances. Mason is passive, mysterious and intimidating as Nicholas, a man who also has an edge of violence when pushed too hard. There is a scene where he stands backstage and watches Francesca play the piano; his face softens as he smiles, and the character reveals more of himself. As Francesca, the pretty Harding has the right mix of submission and then passion when she needs it. Lom, ever the chameleon, does a wonderful job as the psychiatrist.
The music played by Francesca throughout the film is fantastic as is the somewhat dreary atmosphere in which Francesca lives. The ending is too abrupt but also in a way satisfying. One hopes that both Francesca and Nicholas are on their way to becoming whole people.
Highly recommended.