Elizabeth Barrett's tyrannical father has forbidden any of his family to marry. Nevertheless, Elizabeth falls in love with the poet Robert Browning.Elizabeth Barrett's tyrannical father has forbidden any of his family to marry. Nevertheless, Elizabeth falls in love with the poet Robert Browning.Elizabeth Barrett's tyrannical father has forbidden any of his family to marry. Nevertheless, Elizabeth falls in love with the poet Robert Browning.
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Did you know
- TriviaOne of the last CinemaScope movies released in the wider aspect ratio of 2.55:1. Beginning later that year, the aspect ratio of CinemaScope movies was changed to 2.35:1, because of the optional mono soundtrack now printed on the film, in addition to the four stereo ones. This mono soundtrack was added to most movies recorded in stereo because not all theaters were willing to convert their sound systems.
- GoofsThe London pillar boxes weren't painted red (as seen) until 1874; before that, they were green.
- ConnectionsReferenced in Wogan: Episode #10.35 (1990)
- SoundtracksWilt Thou Have My Hand
Music by Herbert Stothart
Featured review
Strong performances
I've never seen the 1934 version, so I have nothing to compare with, but John Gielgud was sufficiently overbearing, cold, and creepy in the 1957 The Barretts of Wimpole Street for me to not even want to rent the original. There's an undercurrent of incest when he exerts control over his daughter, so it was probably a risk for him to take the role.
It was not a risk, however, for Jennifer Jones to take on Elizabeth Barrett. She's the queen of melodrama (the predecessor of Susan Hayward) and often has characters who get sick or die in her films. In this one, Jonesie is an invalid and meekly submits to all her father's wishes - until one day she meets the energetic, magnetic Robert Browning (played by Bill Travers). They write each other beautiful letters and fall in love, but she fears they can never overtake her father. It's a classic melodrama and shows off her great training as a heavy dramatic actress.
Young Virginia McKenna nearly steals the show as Jonesie's younger, fiery sister who occasionally has the guts to stand up to their father. They're both clad in beautiful period gowns, and Virginia has a fresh-faced sweetness mixed spunk that reminded me of Katharine Hepburn in Alice Adams. Plus it's really cute to see her act with her husband when they're not paired up as love interests. There aren't any Born Free sparks between them; it's called acting, and Virginia lets Bill romance her onscreen sister.
It was not a risk, however, for Jennifer Jones to take on Elizabeth Barrett. She's the queen of melodrama (the predecessor of Susan Hayward) and often has characters who get sick or die in her films. In this one, Jonesie is an invalid and meekly submits to all her father's wishes - until one day she meets the energetic, magnetic Robert Browning (played by Bill Travers). They write each other beautiful letters and fall in love, but she fears they can never overtake her father. It's a classic melodrama and shows off her great training as a heavy dramatic actress.
Young Virginia McKenna nearly steals the show as Jonesie's younger, fiery sister who occasionally has the guts to stand up to their father. They're both clad in beautiful period gowns, and Virginia has a fresh-faced sweetness mixed spunk that reminded me of Katharine Hepburn in Alice Adams. Plus it's really cute to see her act with her husband when they're not paired up as love interests. There aren't any Born Free sparks between them; it's called acting, and Virginia lets Bill romance her onscreen sister.
helpful•10
- HotToastyRag
- Jun 9, 2023
Details
- Runtime1 hour 45 minutes
- Aspect ratio
- 2.55 : 1
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Top Gap
By what name was The Barretts of Wimpole Street (1957) officially released in India in English?
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