Michael Morrison
Two men and a woman are stranded on a desert island. If they are English, there is no problem: They haven't been introduced. If they are Spanish, there is no problem: One of the men will kill the other. If they are Italian, there is no problem: The woman will kill one of the men. If they are American, there is no problem: They will be too busy talking about business. If they are French, there is no problem. Alas for this story, the two men are English, and the woman is American, and they already knew one another well -- perhaps too well. The story, from a French play more risqué, or even downright explicit, is reasonably plausible, by Hollywood standards, rather well acted, but so badly edited it is a crime. There are way too many scenes that do not match: For example, from one angle, a character has his arms crossed, then the next shot shows him with his arms at his side. "The Little Hut" is full of such bad continuity or bad editing or bad directing ... or combination thereof. Still Ava Gardner, an enchanting and under-rated actress, in her various abbreviated costumes almost makes this worthwhile all by herself. Almost.
vilaalbert
The script of "The little hut" was written by the French writer André Roussin (1911-1987), based on his play "La petite hutte"(1947). Both play and script are, in fact, a plagiarism of another play in Catalan, written by the novelist and play writer Carles Soldevila (1892-1967), "Civilitzats tanmateix" ("Nevertheless civilized")(1921). This play was known in France much before the robbery of Roussin, through a translation by Adolphe de Faigairolle and Francesc Presas, published in 1927 in the magazine "Candide". Recently "Civilitzats tanmateix" has become a musical by Albert Guinovart, with the title of "Paradís" (Paradise).
jlgraves-1
With a deliciously naughty premise for the genre, Little Hut carefully walks the line between teasing and tempting, with witty dialogue and an excellent cast. David Niven gives a superb performance opposite the stunning Ava Gardner, as the neurotic Englishman Henry Brittingham-Brett. The pair attempts to navigate the dangerous and sultry waters of unrequited love, while remaining firmly within the bounds of high society. The dialogue is witty, the situation drole, and the chemistry between the two leads superb - an excellent start.Unfortunately, Stewart Granger's character never really becomes convincing, and acts more as a prop to back-up the action between the two leads. It's a pity, since when the script gives him a chance, he is easily their comedic equal. However, the script never really does - and, once the central premise is revealed, it quickly loses its way, becoming plodding and tiresome with only the two leads to rely on. The film is partially saved at the last minute, with Walter Chiari's highly amusing - and savage - performance. The dynamic he adds re-invigorates the play's sense of wit and naughtiness, just in time for the curtain to fall.
cimorene_fantasy
A fun filled romp, full of silly if not sometimes cruel jokes. Not the best of movies, but definitely well worth watching. David Niven and Stewart Granger are their usual charming selves with Granger as an especially delightful and ingenious gentleman. Ava Gardner as wonderful as always, with such a delightful character that is absolutely iresistable. The story line is typical, but full of jocular surprises, especially concerning the unconventional relationships between Granger, Gardner and Niven.
AD
