The Deep Blue Sea (1955)

A London Films Production, presented by Alexander Korda. Copyright 1955 by London Film Productions. Released through 20th Century-Fox. New York opening at the Plaza: 12 October 1955. U.S. release: 20 November 1955. U.K. release: 27 September 1955. Australian release: 10 May 1956. 8,913 feet. 99 minutes.SYNOPSIS: Judge's wife falls for feckless flier.COMMENT: Aside from "The Village Squire" and "Gentleman's Agreement" (both 1935), this is the least known and certainly the least revived of Vivien Leigh's starring films. It's true there are reasons "The Deep Blue Sea" deserves its present obscurity. Chief of these is director, Anatole Litvak. Whilst he often blocks out his action effectively on the CinemaScope screen, he rarely moves the camera. Not only are there few pans and no tracking shots to speak of, even the director's famous "signature" crane shot is missing.The result is a rather stodgy, not to say stage-bound film. This impression is magnified by Vivien Leigh's overly theatrical performance which is at odds with the pitch at which other players, particularly Kenneth More, deliver their lines. As a result the audience never becomes really interested in Hester or absorbed in her problems. Some weak writing by Rattigan doesn't help either. Whilst the dialogue is often too verbose, characterization of all but the two principals remains stubbornly superficial.

Terrence Rattigan's play was a popular success in London, tho not in the NY production that starred Margaret Sullavan. There were two revivals last year, one in London and one in NY, starring Blythe Danner. Although the movie is boxy and stagebound, it does preserve one of Rattigan's most entrancing creations, Hester Collyer (Vivien Leigh), a woman all at once rabid with latent sexual desire and without remorse or ounce of self-pity for her choices. The performance more than meets the requirement that Hester should never be viewed as either sordid or immoral. Listen, this is the early 50s.Rattigan's closest American playwright kin was William Inge. Like Inge, he favored characters tormented with issues out of sexual repression and the price they paid for what society, then, viewed as their *sins.* Like Inge, Rattigan was homosexual and often used his characters to illuminate his own dark closet. A video transfer is desperately needed.

"The Deep Blue Sea" represents a notable staple in the film repertoire of Vivien Leigh. Given the enormous popularity and artistic achievements of this consummate British actress, it seems incredible that this film is not available on video. She is always fascinating to watch, and this drama about marital difficulties provides her with a good "modern day" role, compared to her many period/costume pieces. She is beautiful, skillful, and intelligent in her approach to and realization of her characters, and all are evident in this sensibly presented drama. Her co-star, Kenneth More, is professional as always; Eric Portman gives his usual strong character support; and the appearance of Emlyn Williams is a special bonus. The film needs to be seen on the big screen in CinemaScope to get its maximum impact. It deserves to be revived, and more importantly, made available on video.

Vivien Leigh, one of the most beautiful women ever to appear on the screen, is the only reason to watch this movie. The plot is old and tired, but Miss Leigh is always a delight to watch.