James Brodie (played by the incredible Robert Newton) is the only hatter in a Scotland town, as well as a tyrant to all around him. His family fears him, his peers despise him, and he frankly doesn't care about anyone but himself. Things start to go downhill fast though, when his mistress asks him to get her 'step-brother' Denis (boyfriend) a job. Soon, Dennis worms his way into Brodie's family, and being the force behind a rival hat company moving into the shop next to Brodie's store. As Brodie tries to keep up with the mortgage on his house and shop, daughter Mary becomes pregnant and is thrown out, Mrs. Brodie dies of cancer, and son Angus commits suicide after being caught trying to cheat on his exams. With nothing left, and no repentance whatsoever, Brodie sets his house aflame and dies a mad man. It seems though that perhaps Mary has a happy ending, as she and the town doctor walk out of her father's funeral together.
Robert Newton, a true master of his craft, delivers in my opinion his best performance of his career. I thought he was evil as Bill Sykes in 'Oliver Twist', but boy, I had seen nothing of his talent. He demands attention, and you can't tear your eyes away from him as he looms over all the other characters in the film. Every single word he says in his deep Scottish accent, you believe. He worked with his eyes a great deal in all his movies, and this one is no exception. He is absolutely incredible to watch, and his mastery of the part is more than evident.
James Mason, the town's young doctor, doesn't have much of a role, but he's still great to watch. Practically the opposite of Newton's character, he is somewhat shy but extremely kind. He is the one who discovers Mrs. Brodie has cancer, and sneaks into the house regularly to treat her, while also falling in love with Mary in the process. The picture of an English gentleman, Mason does very well in his part.
Deborah Kerr, Mary, plays her part extremely well. She is trapped under her father's thumb, and though she sometimes tries to stand up to him, she lives in fear. She is gentle and shy, and instantly smitten with James Mason's character. Your heart really goes out to the poor girl, as she gets the bad end of the stick every time. A good performance on her part.
Emlyn Williams, Denis, delivers a performance that he should get much more credit for. He is a worm and you despise him from the very beginning. Cunning and always using others for his betterment, you finally get to pump your fist in the air and yell 'yes!' when Brodie punches him around. Williams held his own against Newton in this film, and I'd say that's quite a feet. Excellent, albeit a despised performance.
In summary, this film will grab you by the throat and shake you around for 1 hour and 42 minutes, and I promise you, you will never forget it. As arguably one of Newton's best performances, this piece will be a film I will continue to watch throughout my life.
Robert Newton, a true master of his craft, delivers in my opinion his best performance of his career. I thought he was evil as Bill Sykes in 'Oliver Twist', but boy, I had seen nothing of his talent. He demands attention, and you can't tear your eyes away from him as he looms over all the other characters in the film. Every single word he says in his deep Scottish accent, you believe. He worked with his eyes a great deal in all his movies, and this one is no exception. He is absolutely incredible to watch, and his mastery of the part is more than evident.
James Mason, the town's young doctor, doesn't have much of a role, but he's still great to watch. Practically the opposite of Newton's character, he is somewhat shy but extremely kind. He is the one who discovers Mrs. Brodie has cancer, and sneaks into the house regularly to treat her, while also falling in love with Mary in the process. The picture of an English gentleman, Mason does very well in his part.
Deborah Kerr, Mary, plays her part extremely well. She is trapped under her father's thumb, and though she sometimes tries to stand up to him, she lives in fear. She is gentle and shy, and instantly smitten with James Mason's character. Your heart really goes out to the poor girl, as she gets the bad end of the stick every time. A good performance on her part.
Emlyn Williams, Denis, delivers a performance that he should get much more credit for. He is a worm and you despise him from the very beginning. Cunning and always using others for his betterment, you finally get to pump your fist in the air and yell 'yes!' when Brodie punches him around. Williams held his own against Newton in this film, and I'd say that's quite a feet. Excellent, albeit a despised performance.
In summary, this film will grab you by the throat and shake you around for 1 hour and 42 minutes, and I promise you, you will never forget it. As arguably one of Newton's best performances, this piece will be a film I will continue to watch throughout my life.