Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Ann Harding | ... | Julie von Marwitz | |
Brian Aherne | ... | Lewis Allison | |
Paul Lukas | ... | Rupert von Narwitz | |
Jean Hersholt | ... | Baron Van Leyden | |
Ralph Forbes | ... | Ballater | |
Violet Kemble Cooper | ... | Baroness Van leyden | |
Sara Haden | ... | Susie | |
![]() |
Richard Abbott | ... | Allard Van Leyden |
Barbara Barondess | ... | Geof's wife | |
Rudolph Anders | ... | Geof Van Leyden (as Rudolph Amendt) | |
Betty Alden | ... | Allard's wife | |
Ian Wolfe | ... | Van Arkel | |
Douglas Wood | ... | de Greve | |
Frank Reicher | ... | Doctor | |
Ferike Boros | ... | Nurse |
Set during the first World War in neutral, but pro-German, Holland, Lewis Allison, an interned British officer, is paroled to the castle of Baron Von Leyden and finds living there, but now married to German officer Rupert Von Narwitz, his childhood sweetheart Julie. Long discussions between Julie and Allison, centering on family conflicts that kept them apart, take place before the severely wounded Von Narwitz returns to the castle and more long discussions ensue. Written by Les Adams <longhorn1939@suddenlink.net>
THE FOUNTAIN is a sombre film set during WW I with Ann Harding as an English woman married to a German officer. She meets, after many years, an old friend (Brian Aherne) and falls in love. He's British, but they're staying at the house of her relatives in Holland (neutral during WW I) after he's been "pardoned" from a prisoner of war camp (an odd extended opening sequence that goes nowhere).
Everything seems fine since she never loved her husband (Paul Lukas) but then they get word he's been hideously wounded and is coming home to die. What ensues brings out the best and the worst in various household members. Co-stars include Jean Hersholt, Violet Kemble Cooper, Sara Haden, Ralph Forbes, Ferike Boros, and Frank Reicher.
Harding is radiant and lovingly photographed. She gives a sad and touching performance here. Harding remains one of the most undeservedly forgotten stars of the 30s. Lukas gives one of his best performances. Aherne is solid and utters the final line, one of hope, "England is beautiful in the spring."