Reviews (18)

Indiscreet is Indescribable!
Indiscreet is one of my favorite Cary Grant movies of all time!
Ingrid Bergmand & Cary Grant are at their all time most charming selves in this light-hearted romantic comedy. Bergman, who has shown her talents in suspenseful thrillers such as Notorious, is surprisingly outstanding in comedy! Will Anne (Bergman) who plays a famous stage actress and Phillip (Grant) an international financier get together? In the course of finding out, you will be delighted with the amusing interactions & banter which so accurately characterize men & women in romantic relationships. Ingrid Bergman is stunning and stylish and her apartment is to die for. Grant is debonair and charming as always. The lines in this movie are timeless! A favorite scene includes watching Grant dance with Bergman at a ballroom type function. This is a movie you can watch again & again and love even more each time.

A nice romantic comedy...
Although this is not one of my all-time favorites, it is still a funny and charming film. In many ways, it is not as good as many of Cary Grant's earlier screwball comedies...but that can also be a matter of personal taste. The script is not as witty and frantic as the screwball comedies, but the movie is more romantic and is given a real sense of warmth by the affectionate behavior of Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman.

Essentially, Indiscreet is the story of a romance between actress Anna (Ingrid Bergman) and diplomat Philip (Cary Grant). There are several surprising twists and turns, and to explain anything more would be to give too much away.

Anyhow, one reason Indiscreet is such a nice film is that the real life friendship and warmth between Cary and Ingrid comes though very well, and they are very believable together! Indiscreet also has several funny scenes, especially the one in which Cary does a hysterical tap dance at a fancy ball. The two stars seem to be having fun, and you will too while watching them. This film is good for the whole family, and is very enjoyable: highly recommended.

A GREAT DUO STARS IN AN ELEGANT COMEDY.
Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman are always delightful to see in a movie, because they were two of the greatest actors of their era. "Indiscreet" isn't the typical romantic comedy, because it's much more subtle than that kind of movies. Cary Grant appeared in a lot of excellent comedies like "Bringing Up Baby", "His Girl Friday" or "The Philadelphia Story" to name a few, but Ingrid Bergman wasn't the usual choice to cast in a comedy, perhaps because her specialty were the dramas ("Casablanca", of course). Well, despite that Ingrid did a great work in "Indiscreet".

In this movie our classy duo must overcome adversities of all kind, and to be honest, I didn't laugh out loud with "Indiscreet", but I was interested in the plot at all time. Perhaps a different casting would have resulted in a very standard movie, but Cary and Ingrid can make a good movie even better.

So if you are interested in movies where Cary Grant appears, or you are interested in Ingrid Bergman's filmography, well, "Indiscreet" is a good choice. Good movie.

Warning - watch out for this one!
This is a great film. Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman really click and it's a shame they only made two films together. However, I can't recommend buying this particular VHS release of Indiscreet. Hello! - it's recorded in the EP (SLP) mode and also letterboxed and a lot of quality is lost - very blurry. Strange that the other films in the Cary Grant Collection released by Republic are recorded in standard SP, digitally remastered and all that. This one is strictly for the bargain bin at K-Mart.

Also disappointed by DVD quality
I was excited by this movie coming out on DVD because this is a wonderful movie but the quality of the DVD picture and sound was awful. The content of this movie is 5 stars, as far as I am concerned, but the quality of the DVD is 1 or 2 stars. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Rethinking what might have been...
This 1997 film stars Vanessa Redgrave as Mrs. Dalloway, the Englishwoman introduced in Virginia Woolf's 1925 novel. The book used stream of consciousness to create an interior monologue for her heroine and the film is true to that, a voice-over narration letting the viewer know her interior thoughts as she goes about preparing for a party in 1923.

Mrs. Dalloway is now in her sixties, but there are flashbacks to an earlier time, when she was a young woman being pursued by beaus. She has made her choices now and has married a cabinet member and leads a comfortable life as his charming wife. In her youth she rejected the suitor who looked for adventure in India as well as the tentative hint of a friendship with a woman, which might have gone further. When both of them show up at her party, her memories surface. There's also a sub-story of a young man who has been shell-shocked from combat in The Great War and the theme of suicide runs strong throughout the plot. Even though he and Mrs. Dalloway never meet, it is clear why this character was introduced. And it is also interesting to note that Virginia Woolf herself committed suicide in 1941 at the age of 59.

Casting is excellent, acting superb. Everything is understated but yet very very clear. I also loved the cinematography and the setting of a very proper London in 1923, especially the costumes. The theme is universal as we all do look back on our lives and wonder what might have been. Also, at only 97 minutes long, the video was exactly the right length. Definitely recommended.

The original version of The Hours
If you are a fan of either the novel or film The Hours, then reading and watching Mrs. Dalloway is a must. The Hours was Virginia Woolf's original title for Mrs. Dalloway. Michael Cunningham cleverly took that title and turned into a novel that matches Mrs. Dalloway for its shear beauty. But this is a movie review and I can tell you that Vanessa Redgrave is brilliant in the title role. She should have been nominated for an Oscar at the very least. A day in the life of Clarissa Dalloway, planning a party, remembering her life and loves. It's a lovely adaptation from Woolf's novel. And of course begins with "Mrs. Dalloway decided she would buy the flowers herself." Buy this yourself. You won't regret it.

Speechless
Having watched Mrs. Dalloway after having looked for it for at least three years, I can only say that I am breathless: True to Virginia Woolf's narrative, attentive to every detail, and with such subtlety is this movie made that I could find no better gift than this movie to a lover of Virginia Woolf's works. Vanessa Redgrave astounds with her incredibly moving performance, with a dignified emotiveness as only she can deliver- true to the bird-like Mrs. Dalloway.

Fans of explosions and other short-attention-grabbers need not apply, this is prime literature jumping onto the movie screen!

A beautiful adaptation of the novel
Vanessa Redgrave gives a fine performance as Clarissa Dalloway in Marleen Gorris' adaptation of the Virginia Woolf novel. It tells the story of one day inthe life of Clarissa Dalloway as she readies her house for a dinner party later in the evening. Throughout the day, she remembers people and events from her past that had a lasting effect on her. But, during her party, the news of a suicide causes Mrs. Dalloway to step aside and to wonder if she's given up anything with her own life's path.

Ms. Redgrave's performance is subtle and really shines during the party sequence. Her facial expressions alone show what a fine actress she is. Other great performances in the film are Rupert Graves as Septimus, a soldier suffering from a late onset of shell shock, and Alan Cox, as the young Peter who was desparately in love with the young Clarissa.

Not many extras on the DVD. But the film is self is definitely one to watch.

A Graceful Adaptation of Virginia Woolf's Mrs. Dalloway
MRS. DALLOWAY, the film, has a jolting beginning: the battlefield of WWI with a scene revealing Septimus Warren-Smith in abject terror that his friend Evans is about to walk into a mine explosion, a recurring memory for this character throughout the film. One wonders how MRS DALLOWAY could start there - until the story gradually unfolds. Then this seeming idiosyncrasy is shown to be just one more bit of evidence that the screenwriter is very in tune with the meadering writing style of Virginia Woolf. What a joy to see a novel of such sophisticated complexity be adapted into a movie that is fluid, rich in characterization, thoroughly grounded in the technique of how Woolf mixed memory with present reality in her telling such an indepth history of a woman a bit out of synch with her world, all in one day in June, 1923, as she prepares one of her beloved parties. Indeed, this film suggests that life is a 'party' where new acquaintances are made, old acquaintances are at times tolerated for social reasons, and the entirety of one's past can be summoned by the surprise appearance of signifcant people. This film is blessed with the presence of Vanessa Redgrave whose Mrs Dalloway is wholly credible. But the integration of Clarissa Dalloway's past with her present is so adroit that all of the characters in the present are greatly enhanced. Her love of Peter Walsh and of Sally say a lot about Virginia Woolf's ability to define the inner aspects of her character. Oh, and by the way, the beginning of the film introduces the thread that runs throughout - Septimus elects suicide as an answer to his life's questions, and we are left wondering if this might not be a viable thought running through the mind of Clarissa Dalloway as she reflects on her life choices at the end. A brilliant cast of characters, in every role, dressed to perfection and photographed in echt, period England further enhance this wonderful film. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Christian Dior really ought to be considered one of the stars of Indiscreet, director Stanley Donen's consummately glamorous, altogether grown-up love story. The magnificent 1950s "New Look" gowns Dior designed for Ingrid Bergman, herself at the peak of sophistication and loveliness, are a high point of the film's chic, cosmopolitan mise en scène. Bergman plays Anne Kalman, a celebrated actress who's "the envy of everyone who knows her," yet is bored and lonely. Then she meets suave diplomat Philip Adams (Cary Grant), her match in every way: looks, charm, elegance--the works. The electricity is palpable between them and neither makes any attempt to hide that fact. When Anne learns that Philip is an expert on international finance, she's bold enough to crack: "I'm crazy about hard currency."

It's the very maturity of the romance between Anne and Philip that makes this movie so exhilarating, so romantic, and so affecting. When people fall in love at "a certain age" it's much more poignant; much more is at stake. (The film has a truly surprising plot twist, which throws everything into chaos.) The two "sadder but wiser" stars Bergman and Grant had certainly seen their share of love and heartbreak by this time in their lives, and it shows. (Grant was on the third of his five marriages; Bergman's career had already survived the scandal of her adulterous affair with Roberto Rossellini.) It's fascinating to watch them both, knowing what we know of their personal lives: to see Bergman's Anne throw caution to the wind to commit an "indiscretion" with a married man; to observe Grant/Philip's distinct ambivalence about the institution of marriage. It's a case of picture-perfect casting. --Laura Mirsky ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Indiscreet is Indescribable!
Indiscreet is one of my favorite Cary Grant movies of all time!
Ingrid Bergmand & Cary Grant are at their all time most charming selves in this light-hearted romantic comedy. Bergman, who has shown her talents in suspenseful thrillers such as Notorious, is surprisingly outstanding in comedy! Will Anne (Bergman) who plays a famous stage actress and Phillip (Grant) an international financier get together? In the course of finding out, you will be delighted with the amusing interactions & banter which so accurately characterize men & women in romantic relationships. Ingrid Bergman is stunning and stylish and her apartment is to die for. Grant is debonair and charming as always. The lines in this movie are timeless! A favorite scene includes watching Grant dance with Bergman at a ballroom type function. This is a movie you can watch again & again and love even more each time.

A nice romantic comedy...
Although this is not one of my all-time favorites, it is still a funny and charming film. In many ways, it is not as good as many of Cary Grant's earlier screwball comedies...but that can also be a matter of personal taste. The script is not as witty and frantic as the screwball comedies, but the movie is more romantic and is given a real sense of warmth by the affectionate behavior of Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman.

Essentially, Indiscreet is the story of a romance between actress Anna (Ingrid Bergman) and diplomat Philip (Cary Grant). There are several surprising twists and turns, and to explain anything more would be to give too much away.

Anyhow, one reason Indiscreet is such a nice film is that the real life friendship and warmth between Cary and Ingrid comes though very well, and they are very believable together! Indiscreet also has several funny scenes, especially the one in which Cary does a hysterical tap dance at a fancy ball. The two stars seem to be having fun, and you will too while watching them. This film is good for the whole family, and is very enjoyable: highly recommended.

A GREAT DUO STARS IN AN ELEGANT COMEDY.
Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman are always delightful to see in a movie, because they were two of the greatest actors of their era. "Indiscreet" isn't the typical romantic comedy, because it's much more subtle than that kind of movies. Cary Grant appeared in a lot of excellent comedies like "Bringing Up Baby", "His Girl Friday" or "The Philadelphia Story" to name a few, but Ingrid Bergman wasn't the usual choice to cast in a comedy, perhaps because her specialty were the dramas ("Casablanca", of course). Well, despite that Ingrid did a great work in "Indiscreet".

In this movie our classy duo must overcome adversities of all kind, and to be honest, I didn't laugh out loud with "Indiscreet", but I was interested in the plot at all time. Perhaps a different casting would have resulted in a very standard movie, but Cary and Ingrid can make a good movie even better.

So if you are interested in movies where Cary Grant appears, or you are interested in Ingrid Bergman's filmography, well, "Indiscreet" is a good choice. Good movie.

Warning - watch out for this one!
This is a great film. Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman really click and it's a shame they only made two films together. However, I can't recommend buying this particular VHS release of Indiscreet. Hello! - it's recorded in the EP (SLP) mode and also letterboxed and a lot of quality is lost - very blurry. Strange that the other films in the Cary Grant Collection released by Republic are recorded in standard SP, digitally remastered and all that. This one is strictly for the bargain bin at K-Mart.

Also disappointed by DVD quality
I was excited by this movie coming out on DVD because this is a wonderful movie but the quality of the DVD picture and sound was awful. The content of this movie is 5 stars, as far as I am concerned, but the quality of the DVD is 1 or 2 stars. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Vanessa Redgrave glows from within as the heroine of this superb adaptation of Virginia Woolf's novel. As Clarissa Dalloway prepares to host a sumptuous party, her mind wanders back to a summer in her youth, when she was courted by an eager young man--a young man whose much older self will come to the very party she's preparing. Mrs. Dalloway moves fluidly between the past and the present, exploring the shifts in perspective and understanding with an unsentimental but graceful eye. What's most stunning is the remarkable interplay between the younger and older actors, who truly seem to be different versions of the same character (the young Clarissa is played byNatascha McElhone). Beautifully directed by Marleen Gorris (Antonia's Line), the movie also features Rupert Graves as a shell-shocked soldier who crosses Clarissa's path. --Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Rethinking what might have been...
This 1997 film stars Vanessa Redgrave as Mrs. Dalloway, the Englishwoman introduced in Virginia Woolf's 1925 novel. The book used stream of consciousness to create an interior monologue for her heroine and the film is true to that, a voice-over narration letting the viewer know her interior thoughts as she goes about preparing for a party in 1923.

Mrs. Dalloway is now in her sixties, but there are flashbacks to an earlier time, when she was a young woman being pursued by beaus. She has made her choices now and has married a cabinet member and leads a comfortable life as his charming wife. In her youth she rejected the suitor who looked for adventure in India as well as the tentative hint of a friendship with a woman, which might have gone further. When both of them show up at her party, her memories surface. There's also a sub-story of a young man who has been shell-shocked from combat in The Great War and the theme of suicide runs strong throughout the plot. Even though he and Mrs. Dalloway never meet, it is clear why this character was introduced. And it is also interesting to note that Virginia Woolf herself committed suicide in 1941 at the age of 59.

Casting is excellent, acting superb. Everything is understated but yet very very clear. I also loved the cinematography and the setting of a very proper London in 1923, especially the costumes. The theme is universal as we all do look back on our lives and wonder what might have been. Also, at only 97 minutes long, the video was exactly the right length. Definitely recommended.

The original version of The Hours
If you are a fan of either the novel or film The Hours, then reading and watching Mrs. Dalloway is a must. The Hours was Virginia Woolf's original title for Mrs. Dalloway. Michael Cunningham cleverly took that title and turned into a novel that matches Mrs. Dalloway for its shear beauty. But this is a movie review and I can tell you that Vanessa Redgrave is brilliant in the title role. She should have been nominated for an Oscar at the very least. A day in the life of Clarissa Dalloway, planning a party, remembering her life and loves. It's a lovely adaptation from Woolf's novel. And of course begins with "Mrs. Dalloway decided she would buy the flowers herself." Buy this yourself. You won't regret it.

Speechless
Having watched Mrs. Dalloway after having looked for it for at least three years, I can only say that I am breathless: True to Virginia Woolf's narrative, attentive to every detail, and with such subtlety is this movie made that I could find no better gift than this movie to a lover of Virginia Woolf's works. Vanessa Redgrave astounds with her incredibly moving performance, with a dignified emotiveness as only she can deliver- true to the bird-like Mrs. Dalloway.

Fans of explosions and other short-attention-grabbers need not apply, this is prime literature jumping onto the movie screen!

A beautiful adaptation of the novel
Vanessa Redgrave gives a fine performance as Clarissa Dalloway in Marleen Gorris' adaptation of the Virginia Woolf novel. It tells the story of one day inthe life of Clarissa Dalloway as she readies her house for a dinner party later in the evening. Throughout the day, she remembers people and events from her past that had a lasting effect on her. But, during her party, the news of a suicide causes Mrs. Dalloway to step aside and to wonder if she's given up anything with her own life's path.

Ms. Redgrave's performance is subtle and really shines during the party sequence. Her facial expressions alone show what a fine actress she is. Other great performances in the film are Rupert Graves as Septimus, a soldier suffering from a late onset of shell shock, and Alan Cox, as the young Peter who was desparately in love with the young Clarissa.

Not many extras on the DVD. But the film is self is definitely one to watch.

A Graceful Adaptation of Virginia Woolf's Mrs. Dalloway
MRS. DALLOWAY, the film, has a jolting beginning: the battlefield of WWI with a scene revealing Septimus Warren-Smith in abject terror that his friend Evans is about to walk into a mine explosion, a recurring memory for this character throughout the film. One wonders how MRS DALLOWAY could start there - until the story gradually unfolds. Then this seeming idiosyncrasy is shown to be just one more bit of evidence that the screenwriter is very in tune with the meadering writing style of Virginia Woolf. What a joy to see a novel of such sophisticated complexity be adapted into a movie that is fluid, rich in characterization, thoroughly grounded in the technique of how Woolf mixed memory with present reality in her telling such an indepth history of a woman a bit out of synch with her world, all in one day in June, 1923, as she prepares one of her beloved parties. Indeed, this film suggests that life is a 'party' where new acquaintances are made, old acquaintances are at times tolerated for social reasons, and the entirety of one's past can be summoned by the surprise appearance of signifcant people. This film is blessed with the presence of Vanessa Redgrave whose Mrs Dalloway is wholly credible. But the integration of Clarissa Dalloway's past with her present is so adroit that all of the characters in the present are greatly enhanced. Her love of Peter Walsh and of Sally say a lot about Virginia Woolf's ability to define the inner aspects of her character. Oh, and by the way, the beginning of the film introduces the thread that runs throughout - Septimus elects suicide as an answer to his life's questions, and we are left wondering if this might not be a viable thought running through the mind of Clarissa Dalloway as she reflects on her life choices at the end. A brilliant cast of characters, in every role, dressed to perfection and photographed in echt, period England further enhance this wonderful film. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Enjoyable
This film, I believe, started a spate of similar cinema ("The Wicked Lady," etc.)It was made cerca 1945 and seems remarkably frank for the era (a thinly disguised brothel, Fanny's being born out of wedlock, class distinctions and prejudice). The performances are more than adequate, the production values good (British cinema, in the main, not having Hollywood's wealth), and the ending not too treacly. James Mason does stand out as the villain, and the pistol duel that brings about his demise believable. As an historical detail, duelling was practiced illegally in many countries, though I don't think the film mentions whether it was banned in the France depicted in the film's era.

AKA Man of Evil
This Gainsborough Pictures production directed by Anthony Asquith features James Mason in one of his early supporting roles. Here Mason looks heavier than he would in his later Hollywood period, with unruly hair, no neck and a bullfrog face. His role prefigures his Norman Maine of A Star is Born, as a beastly sensual toff who enjoys slumming with the lower classes, and who periodically crosses Fanny. It’s a pity these crossings are so periodic because Mason is easily the highlight of the film. He brings some energy and a sour taste to the otherwise staid proceedings. Based on the novel by Michael Sadleir, the narrative is meant as an expose of the prejudices of class distinction and parentage of England in the late 1800’s. Fanny begins life at a reasonably respectable station in life, but the discovery that her father secretly operates a meeting place for gentlemen and "actresses" ie a brothel, begins Fanny’s degenerative social spiral. Fanny’s moral purity is demonstrated by her willingness to stoop to servile work, (her fainting when she works in a steamy laundryhouse at her lowest ebb is proof of her sensitivity), and allows for the wealthier characters to look down upon her and thereby reveal their own bigotry. Asquith presents the pleasures of the lower classes without the same judgement, even if we find the belief that those who make these distinctions having a short life span is a liberal social fantasy.... There is an unnoticed irony in Fanny’s situation, since she assumes another name to escape the condemnation associated with hers, yet the original name is one she is not entitled to. However acknowledging this would deprive us of her fall and also end the story prematurely, though considering how Asquith makes it lag, that isn’t altogether a bad idea. As Fanny, Phyllis Calvert has a scene of physical anguish that rivals Lillian Gish in the silents - but overall she's about as generic as Stewart Granger is as her love interest. Margaretta Scott is fun as a woman Fanny works for, and Cathleen Nesbitt as Granger’s disapproving sister has a marvellous scowl. Asquith gives Mason an amusing entrance, with women turning their faces away from him, and a fistfight is entertaining in it’s ridiculousness. There is the shocking period detail of women in a corralled space in a restaurant, waiting to be rescued by a gentleman to be "made love to", and an editing cut from Calvert screaming to a trial testimony. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Rethinking what might have been...
This 1997 film stars Vanessa Redgrave as Mrs. Dalloway, the Englishwoman introduced in Virginia Woolf's 1925 novel. The book used stream of consciousness to create an interior monologue for her heroine and the film is true to that, a voice-over narration letting the viewer know her interior thoughts as she goes about preparing for a party in 1923.

Mrs. Dalloway is now in her sixties, but there are flashbacks to an earlier time, when she was a young woman being pursued by beaus. She has made her choices now and has married a cabinet member and leads a comfortable life as his charming wife. In her youth she rejected the suitor who looked for adventure in India as well as the tentative hint of a friendship with a woman, which might have gone further. When both of them show up at her party, her memories surface. There's also a sub-story of a young man who has been shell-shocked from combat in The Great War and the theme of suicide runs strong throughout the plot. Even though he and Mrs. Dalloway never meet, it is clear why this character was introduced. And it is also interesting to note that Virginia Woolf herself committed suicide in 1941 at the age of 59.

Casting is excellent, acting superb. Everything is understated but yet very very clear. I also loved the cinematography and the setting of a very proper London in 1923, especially the costumes. The theme is universal as we all do look back on our lives and wonder what might have been. Also, at only 97 minutes long, the video was exactly the right length. Definitely recommended.

The original version of The Hours
If you are a fan of either the novel or film The Hours, then reading and watching Mrs. Dalloway is a must. The Hours was Virginia Woolf's original title for Mrs. Dalloway. Michael Cunningham cleverly took that title and turned into a novel that matches Mrs. Dalloway for its shear beauty. But this is a movie review and I can tell you that Vanessa Redgrave is brilliant in the title role. She should have been nominated for an Oscar at the very least. A day in the life of Clarissa Dalloway, planning a party, remembering her life and loves. It's a lovely adaptation from Woolf's novel. And of course begins with "Mrs. Dalloway decided she would buy the flowers herself." Buy this yourself. You won't regret it.

Speechless
Having watched Mrs. Dalloway after having looked for it for at least three years, I can only say that I am breathless: True to Virginia Woolf's narrative, attentive to every detail, and with such subtlety is this movie made that I could find no better gift than this movie to a lover of Virginia Woolf's works. Vanessa Redgrave astounds with her incredibly moving performance, with a dignified emotiveness as only she can deliver- true to the bird-like Mrs. Dalloway.

Fans of explosions and other short-attention-grabbers need not apply, this is prime literature jumping onto the movie screen!

A beautiful adaptation of the novel
Vanessa Redgrave gives a fine performance as Clarissa Dalloway in Marleen Gorris' adaptation of the Virginia Woolf novel. It tells the story of one day inthe life of Clarissa Dalloway as she readies her house for a dinner party later in the evening. Throughout the day, she remembers people and events from her past that had a lasting effect on her. But, during her party, the news of a suicide causes Mrs. Dalloway to step aside and to wonder if she's given up anything with her own life's path.

Ms. Redgrave's performance is subtle and really shines during the party sequence. Her facial expressions alone show what a fine actress she is. Other great performances in the film are Rupert Graves as Septimus, a soldier suffering from a late onset of shell shock, and Alan Cox, as the young Peter who was desparately in love with the young Clarissa.

Not many extras on the DVD. But the film is self is definitely one to watch.

A Graceful Adaptation of Virginia Woolf's Mrs. Dalloway
MRS. DALLOWAY, the film, has a jolting beginning: the battlefield of WWI with a scene revealing Septimus Warren-Smith in abject terror that his friend Evans is about to walk into a mine explosion, a recurring memory for this character throughout the film. One wonders how MRS DALLOWAY could start there - until the story gradually unfolds. Then this seeming idiosyncrasy is shown to be just one more bit of evidence that the screenwriter is very in tune with the meadering writing style of Virginia Woolf. What a joy to see a novel of such sophisticated complexity be adapted into a movie that is fluid, rich in characterization, thoroughly grounded in the technique of how Woolf mixed memory with present reality in her telling such an indepth history of a woman a bit out of synch with her world, all in one day in June, 1923, as she prepares one of her beloved parties. Indeed, this film suggests that life is a 'party' where new acquaintances are made, old acquaintances are at times tolerated for social reasons, and the entirety of one's past can be summoned by the surprise appearance of signifcant people. This film is blessed with the presence of Vanessa Redgrave whose Mrs Dalloway is wholly credible. But the integration of Clarissa Dalloway's past with her present is so adroit that all of the characters in the present are greatly enhanced. Her love of Peter Walsh and of Sally say a lot about Virginia Woolf's ability to define the inner aspects of her character. Oh, and by the way, the beginning of the film introduces the thread that runs throughout - Septimus elects suicide as an answer to his life's questions, and we are left wondering if this might not be a viable thought running through the mind of Clarissa Dalloway as she reflects on her life choices at the end. A brilliant cast of characters, in every role, dressed to perfection and photographed in echt, period England further enhance this wonderful film. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. ... Read more