Complete credited cast: | |||
Dirk Bogarde | ... | Claude Langham | |
Ellen Burstyn | ... | Sonia Langham | |
John Gielgud | ... | Clive Langham | |
David Warner | ... | Kevin Langham / Kevin Woodford | |
Elaine Stritch | ... | Helen Wiener | |
Cyril Luckham | ... | Doctor Mark Eddington | |
Denis Lawson | ... | Dave Woodford (as Dennis Lawson) | |
Kathryn Leigh Scott | ... | Miss Boon | |
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Milo Sperber | ... | Mr. Jenner |
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Anna Wing | ... | Karen |
Peter Arne | ... | Nils | |
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Tanya Lopert | ... | Miss Lister |
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Joseph Pittoors | ... | An Old Man |
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Samson Fainsilber | ... | The Old Man |
Clive Langham (Sir John Gielgud) spends one tormenting night in his bed suffering from health problems and thinking up a story based on his relatives. He is a bitter man and he shows, through flashbacks, how spiteful, conniving and treacherous his family is. But is this how they really are or is it his own vindictive slant on things? Written by Archie Moore <ar.moore@student.qut.edu.au>
Not enough can truly be said for this film. Equally, nothing can change people's reaction to it; it is an art piece which separates people. Early reviews from the period of its release seem unfriendly at least. Many reviewers found the film pretentious and constructionally difficult. Many claimed it attempted more mystery than it had a right to. I feel this was a film ahead of its time, and any pomposity in the film comes not from its center, but from its central character, Clive Langham (John Gielgud). This, more than almost any film of the 20th century, is a film which rewards the viewer for multiple viewings. If you are often accused of being obsessive, overly-analytic or just plain artsy, this film will tickle you in some very personal places. The message I will refuse to comment on, though it is very deeply personal to me, and, I would say, to all writers. But the "crux of the biscuit," if you will, is this: examine the title in relation to the film.