| Fascinating piece of history |
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| written by DSweeney |
March 31, 2006 - 3:39 PM PST |
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2 out of 2 members found this review helpful
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This was a Hollywood production during World War II, produced to raise funds for British War Relief. It is set in a house in London which was built by a retired British Admiral aroune 1804.
Focusing on the house as it is modernized bit by by, we follow the lives of various descendants through the decades; some more, some less successful. About 80 performers, many from the British community in Hollywood, appear as featured players or in cameo appearances.
It's a fascinatiang piece of history both of the house itself, which stands for the evolution of British society, more or less; and a fscinating roster of actors -- some forgotten, some well remembered. A highly recommended movie. |
| Moderately interesting and fun film for old movie buffs |
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| written by ASchoneberg |
October 21, 2003 - 2:14 AM PDT |
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6 out of 6 members found this review helpful
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This film would not be the cup of tea for the average person. But for those of us who know and enjoy films of the 1940's, it's pleasant and mildly interesting.
The biggest attraction may be the very large and diverse number of character actors, and a few stars that are featured (from Charles Laughton to Buster Keaton to Ray Milland, and dozens more).
It's uneven, as you would expect from an episodic film with multiple directors, writers, cinematographers, etc. A couple of the segments are first rate (the one I liked best featured a very winning comic performance by Ida Lupino), and most of the rest are mildly diverting.
A couple of the actors, who I've never been impressed with before, give far better performances than I've ever seen them do: Gladys Cooper gives a moving and very skilled dramatic performance; C. Aubrey Smith gives a lively and charasmatic performance.
A drawback to the DVD is the poor technical quality. The disk is mastered from a beat up old print, watchable, but both video and audio are inferior. |
| don't believe the hype |
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| written by rarcher |
August 26, 2003 - 4:58 PM PDT |
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4 out of 7 members found this review helpful
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don't be fooled by the "legendary filmmakers and actors"
this is quite possibly the most tedious thing i have ever attempted to sit through
i can't even give an explanation for why not to see this because nothing noteworthy happens the entire length of the film
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