I suppose this production of a classic novel would have held an audience's attention in its time; but to me, it came across as close to camp due to the overacting of almost everyone involved. Not to say these are bad actors; most are genuine pros who've done better work elsewhere, notably including the prolific Sanders, Price and Kellaway. Margaret Lindsay was very appealing and properly performed as the young Hepzibah, not as interesting as the twenty years older version. A fairly young Price who also sang! (briefly in a sweet voice) was a nice novelty for me to witness, and had some appropriately played moments, both highly dramatic and more moderate; but at other times, he was falling into the same trap of the director as the other players. 22-year-old Nan Grey was sweet as the young cousin Phoebe, and reminded me of a young version of the generation-later minor star Carol Lynley. Other highlights were the sets and wardrobe. Because the directing disappointed me, I'm hoping I can find a better production of this story to see and recommend, but a search of this site shows no one with any professional reputation tried to remake it, which I find surprising, since even the utterly perfect "West Side Story" got remade. I'd love to see Saoirse Ronan as Hepzibah, and maybe Ansel Elgort as Clifford.
Review of The House of the Seven Gables
