I watched this 1945 film, because I was 9 years old in that year and wanted to see how the era was portrayed. (I liked the 78 RPM shellac records were the only kind commercially existing then. But I digress.)
I first gave the film a "5" (which is low for me) because the writers, though inspired by a real story, devised a "backstory" that was unnecessarily long, added little to the film, and had the protagonist embarrassingly portrayed as a child by the adult star, Ann Todd.
I increased my rating to a "6" after we progressed past childhood and onto an interesting, although antiquated, presentation of psychiatry as it was simplistically understood at the time. Ms. Todd and Mr. Mason carried the movie, despite a lackluster supporting cast.
How did I get to a "7," which is my average? Well, that was because of the last half hour that presented a somewhat interesting narrative, plus, a surprise ending.
Oh, and I enjoyed the piano music throughout.
I first gave the film a "5" (which is low for me) because the writers, though inspired by a real story, devised a "backstory" that was unnecessarily long, added little to the film, and had the protagonist embarrassingly portrayed as a child by the adult star, Ann Todd.
I increased my rating to a "6" after we progressed past childhood and onto an interesting, although antiquated, presentation of psychiatry as it was simplistically understood at the time. Ms. Todd and Mr. Mason carried the movie, despite a lackluster supporting cast.
How did I get to a "7," which is my average? Well, that was because of the last half hour that presented a somewhat interesting narrative, plus, a surprise ending.
Oh, and I enjoyed the piano music throughout.