"The Great Sinner", an MGM feature of 1949 was an adaptation of "The Gambler" a novel by the great Russian writer Dostoievski. As conceived for the screen, it had all the elements for it to succeed. Yet watching it sixty years later, this effort directed by Robert Siodmak, a man who gave us many satisfying moments at the movies, gives the impression that perhaps he was the wrong man to have been at the helm.
Fedja, a writer, meets the gorgeous Pauline Ostrovsky on a train bound for Paris. It becomes evident she has cast a spell on him. That attraction will appear to be fatal as this young man decides on a whim to abandon his plans and get off at Wiesbaden, Germany, Pauline's destination. Unknown to him, she is a gambler, and so is her father, a Russian nobleman, General Ostrovsky.
Pauline is the object of the affection of Armand De Glasse, the owner of the casino in the city. What Fedja does not know is the way Pauline's connection to De Glasse is based on. She, and her father owe this man 200,000 francs, an enormous figure, in those days. Fedge, who is not into gambling decides to try his luck in the roulette table in order to win enough money to repay the Ostrovskys debt. That way, he figures he will be able to keep Pauline.
As he starts to gamble, Fedja begins losing almost everything he brought, then, as if by magic, he goes to break the bank, making more than what is owed. But Fedja, unable to keep his head, and his purse, goes back for more, which proves to be his downfall. He ends up poor, destitute and sick, and what is more, he begins losing Pauline, as well.
Gregory Peck, a good actor, is not at his best in the romantic lead of this film. Ava Gardner, a feast for the eyes, gives a flat performance. The two stars did not show a chemistry that one felt was believable. Most of the supporting cast, especially Frank Morgan and Walter Huston, practically overplay their parts. Even suave Melvin Douglas is not as effective as in other of his best creations. Ethel Barrymore and Agnes Moorehead, have some luck with their small time in front of the camera.
Robert Siodmak will still be remembered for films like "Criss Cross", "Cry of the City" and "The Killers", among others, but alas, not for this one.
Fedja, a writer, meets the gorgeous Pauline Ostrovsky on a train bound for Paris. It becomes evident she has cast a spell on him. That attraction will appear to be fatal as this young man decides on a whim to abandon his plans and get off at Wiesbaden, Germany, Pauline's destination. Unknown to him, she is a gambler, and so is her father, a Russian nobleman, General Ostrovsky.
Pauline is the object of the affection of Armand De Glasse, the owner of the casino in the city. What Fedja does not know is the way Pauline's connection to De Glasse is based on. She, and her father owe this man 200,000 francs, an enormous figure, in those days. Fedge, who is not into gambling decides to try his luck in the roulette table in order to win enough money to repay the Ostrovskys debt. That way, he figures he will be able to keep Pauline.
As he starts to gamble, Fedja begins losing almost everything he brought, then, as if by magic, he goes to break the bank, making more than what is owed. But Fedja, unable to keep his head, and his purse, goes back for more, which proves to be his downfall. He ends up poor, destitute and sick, and what is more, he begins losing Pauline, as well.
Gregory Peck, a good actor, is not at his best in the romantic lead of this film. Ava Gardner, a feast for the eyes, gives a flat performance. The two stars did not show a chemistry that one felt was believable. Most of the supporting cast, especially Frank Morgan and Walter Huston, practically overplay their parts. Even suave Melvin Douglas is not as effective as in other of his best creations. Ethel Barrymore and Agnes Moorehead, have some luck with their small time in front of the camera.
Robert Siodmak will still be remembered for films like "Criss Cross", "Cry of the City" and "The Killers", among others, but alas, not for this one.