For those who enjoy films set in the Regency period, this may be right for you, though fair warning: this is NOT a Jane Austen type story! This is more in line with Emily Bronte, though Lord Rohan (James Mason) makes Heathcliff look like Mister Rogers!
Phyllis Calvert plays the part of Clarissa (Lady Rohan) very well.
She's a wealthy young society woman, who was told by a gypsy at a fair that she'd marry well, but not for love, that true love would come from across the sea, and that she must be wary of trusting a woman who claims to be a friend.
Clarissa, meanwhile, has lots of friends, being kind, friendly and good natured. She befriends Hester (Margaret Lockwood), a troubled young woman with a chip on her shoulder, a lot of ambition, and a ruthless streak. After Hester elopes with a navy ensign, Clarissa leaves school before completing her studies, because she can't bear to hear her friend's name trashed.
Typical of the era, as a young society woman, Hester's marriage to Rohan is arranged, with no love on either side, not even much liking. Rohan informs her that all she needs is to give him an heir, then she can live her own life, provided there are no scandals. After doing her duty, she meets Rokeby (Stewart Granger), an itinerant actor, who lost his Jamaican estate due to slave uprisings and political turmoil and is now performing alongside Hester, who's now a widow. Soon, Hester becomes Clarissa's companion, and then Rohan's mistress, (each recognizing a kindred spirit) while Clarissa realizes Rokeby is the man the gypsy told her about, and - with Hester's encouragement - they plan to run off together.
However, things do not work out as planned, leading to separation, heartbreak, crime, death and revenge!
Jane Austen would be shocked! (But not Emily, I'd bet!)
It's interesting how the story is told in flashbacks, with the movie beginning and ending in contemporary times, with Phyllis and Stewart playing a modern-day Clarissa and Rokeby, descendants of the originals, and with - hopefully - a better fate.
It's a good film and the story will hold your attention, but it can be brutal at times.
Phyllis Calvert plays the part of Clarissa (Lady Rohan) very well.
She's a wealthy young society woman, who was told by a gypsy at a fair that she'd marry well, but not for love, that true love would come from across the sea, and that she must be wary of trusting a woman who claims to be a friend.
Clarissa, meanwhile, has lots of friends, being kind, friendly and good natured. She befriends Hester (Margaret Lockwood), a troubled young woman with a chip on her shoulder, a lot of ambition, and a ruthless streak. After Hester elopes with a navy ensign, Clarissa leaves school before completing her studies, because she can't bear to hear her friend's name trashed.
Typical of the era, as a young society woman, Hester's marriage to Rohan is arranged, with no love on either side, not even much liking. Rohan informs her that all she needs is to give him an heir, then she can live her own life, provided there are no scandals. After doing her duty, she meets Rokeby (Stewart Granger), an itinerant actor, who lost his Jamaican estate due to slave uprisings and political turmoil and is now performing alongside Hester, who's now a widow. Soon, Hester becomes Clarissa's companion, and then Rohan's mistress, (each recognizing a kindred spirit) while Clarissa realizes Rokeby is the man the gypsy told her about, and - with Hester's encouragement - they plan to run off together.
However, things do not work out as planned, leading to separation, heartbreak, crime, death and revenge!
Jane Austen would be shocked! (But not Emily, I'd bet!)
It's interesting how the story is told in flashbacks, with the movie beginning and ending in contemporary times, with Phyllis and Stewart playing a modern-day Clarissa and Rokeby, descendants of the originals, and with - hopefully - a better fate.
It's a good film and the story will hold your attention, but it can be brutal at times.