|
1944, 124 MINS, UK, B&W
|
 A Canterbury Tale, 1944 |
A Canterbury Tale was my introduction to the magical world of Powell & Pressburger and boy what an introduction. To be honest before seeing it I hadn't even heard of them let alone knowing any of their works apart from a passing recollection of The Red Shoes.
So there I was, in front of the TV and expecting a typical piece of 2nd World War British propaganda. Needless to say what I got was something I just didn't uderstand. On first viewing it completely went over my head. I just didn't get what they were getting at and it confused me then disquietened me ... What was it? It seemed slow - a film that went nowhere fast and when it got there why did it go there? Something about a glue man, a falcon, Canterbury Cathedral and daft as it sounds my surprise at seeing in the streets of Canterbury familiar shop signs of today like Rymans.
On further viewings I have fallen in love with the movie and yet I still can't say why it is so good. I suppose it's in the way it is told for me rather than the story itself. The camerawork is alluring, the actors including a sweetly innocent Sheila Sim (the future Lady Attenborough) breathe flesh onto the bones, and even a bomb damaged Canterbury looks well worth fighting for, but it is so much better than these things.
All I can say is just see it for yourself and maybe you can let me know why it is so magical.
Btw I also discovered Eric Portman in this film and he soon became one of my favourite actors. Neither conventionally good looking or even having much panache he nevertheless had screen presence and a Northern kind of moodiness and kind of gentle menace that fits the mystery of this film like a glove.
- © Paul Page, Lenin Imports
Sincerity and simplicity shine through every foot of this oversized modern version of the Chaucer epic tale. Here is rare beauty.
Without belittling the highly imaginative genius inspiring the two directors, Michael Powell and Emeric pressburger, first honours go to Erwin Hillier, whose camerawork is superb. Nothing more effective by way of a time transition shot has been conceived than the way he carries his audience through nine centuries in a few seconds. Beginning with a close-up of a hooded falcon on the wrist of an ancient Canterbury pilgrim (400 years before Columbus discovered America), he follows the graceful bird as it soars aloft on speedy wings. When it becomes a mere speck, it turns and comes gliding back. On coming nearer, it is seen to be a Spitfire.
Sheila Sim (now Lady Attenborough) is the sole femme of the story. As a London shop girl, turned farmeret for the duration, she turns in a polished performance. Although giving the American GI all the best of it, there is an equally well-drawn characterization, the British tank-sergeant, done so well by Dennis Price. For him the cathedral works as a miracle.
Star of the film, Eric Portman, gives a splendid restrained performance as a smalltown justice of the peace. Four miracles occur in this story, one to each of the four principal characters.
yul brynner | christopher plummer | romy schneider
dvds | videos yul brynner | christopher plummer | romy schneider
Page created by: ihuppert5@aol.com Changes last made: 2010 |
