Customer Reviews

These Foolish Things

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The plot of this movie is a simple and familiar one: young aspiring and naive actress struggles to make it in the bigtime theatrical world, meets young, aspiring playwright and young, successful director, both of whom fall for her and complicate her life and theirs. There are a spate of lesser characters floating around--snobby socialites, former divas, etc. played by several "name" actors who either overact (Angelica Houston) or sleepwalk through their parts (Lauren Bacall). The exception to that rule is Terrence Stamp, who plays a butler/chauffeur/fixer and who, as far as I'm concerned, stole the show with his low-key, sardonic portrayal of probably the most intelligent and interesting character of the lot. The build-up to World War II provides a rather attenuated background to the love triangle and machinations that form the main storyline. I cannot say that this saga was all that riveting--a good Catherine Cookson drama would be preferable, more involving, and considerably more substantive.

I decided to order this film because of its leading lady - Zoe Tapper - who I'd just seen in the British ITV show Demons alongside the wonderful Philip Glenister. I was impressed with her preformance and wanted to see more of her work.

This is set in pre-World War II England, literally right before the war begins. The main character, Diana, is the daughter of a famed stage star who wants to follow in her mother's footsteps, but must first live a life as a "starving hopeful" to support herself.
She then finds herself tangled in a love triangle with a passionate playwright and his best friend, a director.

It has literally become one of my favorite films of all time - I strongly recommend it.

Also, it is based on the novel There's a Porpoise Close Behind Us by Noel Langley - famed for writing the screenplay of the Wizard of Oz.

A nice period drama about a girl and the two men who desire her. She finds herself having to choose between them. You will be surprised at her choice.

Enchanting.....We have seen the plot before; it worked well in 1930 and again in 1940 and it nice to visit again. A good script with great actors and lush music makes us remember why we love the movies. A film from today that could hold it owne on TCM. Stept back in time and be enchanted by Foolish Things

bought on a whim but watched it twice .colorful witty and great acting all around. it was bright at a time when the war was imminent and people were unaware.......and just enjoying life with all its nuances. watch and enjoy.......