Unsuccessful adaptation of Thomas Cullinan's book, a rather curious project to come from director Don Siegel and star Clint Eastwood, yet one which never quite measures up to its unusual ingredients--it's peculiar and provoking, but essentially dead. Sexually repressed headmistress of an all-girl boarding school takes in a wounded Civil War soldier and nurses him back to health. Gothic drama with elements of dementia and jealousy was prime material for actress Geraldine Page, who, predictably, is full of vigorous ticks and scary theatrics, but Eastwood's casting leaves something to be desired (at this point, he simply wasn't expressive enough to handle such a role). Fans of Stephen King's later "Misery" might be the picture's best audience today, however it's a misfired venture which generally fails to come to life. Supporting players Elizabeth Hartman, Jo Ann Harris and Mae Mercer are solid, though it is young Pamelyn Ferdin as Amy who does the strongest work with a role quite difficult for a child. *1/2 from ****
Review of The Beguiled
