kseenarth
Saw it in Vietnam the year it was released, and it did what a movie is supposed to do - took me somewhere else, and made me forget reality for a while. Any movie that could hold the attention of a bunch of GI's under those circumstances has to be entertaining! Haven't seen the movie in over 30 years, but can recall enjoying it. What more can be expected of a movie?My recollection is the main character reminded me of a composite of two of my own aunts. Made me laugh. I'm usually not too keen on period-movies, but this one didn't overdo the genre.Good cinematography.
sol-
Somewhat of an intriguing film, as one is always trying to figure out what exactly is going on, it is a strange mix of flashiness and eccentricities overall, and not quite a fully satisfying combination. In an Oscar nominated role, Maggie Smith gives it her all, but yet comes off as bit over-the-top. Alec McCowen is better as the as a man who has never done anything outlandish in his life before. The vibrant costumes won the film an Oscar and perhaps are the best part of the production. It is very uneven in how fascinating the storyline is, with flashbacks that drag in a style that involves sharp zooms and fuzzy close-ups, and with a number of nasty events. It is rather shallow stuff: not emotionally involving, but neither very funny
just quite weird overall with a convoluted and contrived scheme as a backdrop to the events. The music choices are not exactly wonderful either. Make no mistake - this is not a terrible film, and there is enough worth watching for that the film arguably is worth checking out. It comes however best recommended to those who are into bizarre, unusual and somewhat silly films, wanting something different for a change. I cannot see this strange mix satisfying most tastes.
RodReels-2
Great costumes and scenery and Maggie Smith doing her best Auntie Mame routine still add up to very little. I'm not sure what novelist Graham Greene or director George Cukor had in mind, but surely its not this disappointing mess of a movie.
Patrick-96
With all the talent connected to this film, it's amazing that it isn't better. Katharine Hepburn was the original choice for the lead, but some kind of contract dispute stopped her from doing it. Maggie Smith took over the role and won an Academy Award nomination. Even so, many critics complained at the time that she over-acted, but I feel she's the life and breath of what fun there is in the movie.
AD
