Review of Saraband

Amazing, amazing film that, sadly, virtually no one knows about. This Ealing historical romance, filmed in muted Technicolour tones, is just stunning. If you are one of the "Stewart Granger was a smarmy bastard who can't act" club, you obviously haven't seen this film. Granger and Joan Greenwood play the doomed lovers of the title to perfection. Flora Robson should have been nominated, and won, the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her excellent performance. This film contains many visual delights, not least a five minute montage where Greenwood tries to make her way through a masked crowd of revelers to meet her lover. It's an exhilarating, tense sequence that culminates in a passionate kiss. Truly one of the overlooked treasures of the 20th century. This is a big statement, but the film should be as well known and widely seen as other great British films of it's vintage, such as Lean's Great Expectations and Reed's Odd Man Out. Seek this one out at every opportunity! 10/10 +++++