Psychiatrist Herbert Lom is trying to reach into the lost soul of a suicidal pianist (Ann Todd). Under hypnosis, he learns of how as a young girl she was taken in by a distant relative (James Mason), a brooding man whose mother ran off years ago, leaving him distrustful of all women. Mason soon realizes what a talent Todd has as a piano player and begins to mentor her, softening up, but still remaining a possessive Svengali. When Todd falls in love with Hugh McDermott, Mason does everything he can to end the relationship so he can continue to possess her, but she runs off only to find tragedy that threatens to destroy all of her dreams. It is her inability to play the piano that draws psychiatrist Lom to visit Mason in hopes of snapping her out of her manic depression.
This Gothic drama features some great classical music and is mesmerizing from start to finish. I don't know if I see a romantic potential between Todd and Mason because of his possessiveness, but like Eliza Doolittle and Henry Higgins, they are without meaning when apart. It's nice to see a very Herbert Lom, best known as the harassed Inspector Dreyfeuss (who later went bonkers) in "The Pink Panther" movies. Still years from his Hollywood success, Mason was one of England's brightest actors, and his voice is always refreshing to hear. Todd is perfect as the fragile heroine, a combination Jane Eyre/Mrs. DeWinter ("Rebecca") that makes me wonder how Joan Fontaine would have played this part in an American version. Definitely not to be missed!
This Gothic drama features some great classical music and is mesmerizing from start to finish. I don't know if I see a romantic potential between Todd and Mason because of his possessiveness, but like Eliza Doolittle and Henry Higgins, they are without meaning when apart. It's nice to see a very Herbert Lom, best known as the harassed Inspector Dreyfeuss (who later went bonkers) in "The Pink Panther" movies. Still years from his Hollywood success, Mason was one of England's brightest actors, and his voice is always refreshing to hear. Todd is perfect as the fragile heroine, a combination Jane Eyre/Mrs. DeWinter ("Rebecca") that makes me wonder how Joan Fontaine would have played this part in an American version. Definitely not to be missed!