Oscar Wilde

It will be interesting to compare the other Oscar Wilde film, also made in England, when it comes along. with the one now playing in England and here in America starring Robert Morley and Ralph Richardson. The current film shows signs of having been done in a hurry and on a rather limited budget. The opening scenes of the world of society, fashion, and the theatre, of which Oscar was such a part, should have been done with more style and elegance, and played up more; they seemed a bit shabby, and the contrast with Wildes later life was lost. This reviewer had the same criticism of the play done in New York years ago, when Morley acted the same role. The most compelling scenes in the film are of course the trial and Wilde's cross examination by the prosecutor, brilliantly played by Ralph Richardson. One watches these scenes with sympathy and horror as Wilde fumbles and cracks Morley has his great moment in the trial when he defends ... 'the love that dares not speak its name.' The actor, as a man, deeply felt what he was saying, and projected it magnificently.

Oscar Wilde, as played by Morley, is sympathetic, has dignity, and is brilliant in the scenes of wit and repartee his fluent handling of words of the English language is a delight, but one wishes that he were a younger man and not so heavy in bodyit gets in the way. Also he is somewhat 'typed'-set in the part, having played it so many times before-a certain freshness is lost, in characterization. The Lord Alfred Douglas of John Neville, while adequately acted, seems thin and shallow. There is little in his looks or manner that would have aroused a deep and tender or lasting passion. In the writing

and directing of the scenes between Wilde and Douglas there are none of the moments of quietness or intimacy or gentleness that would give them validity to the homophile. They are just actors acting. They do not create an illusion of reality. On the whole the picture while not great, leaves one with a better feeling than the stage play. Wilde's life is rounded out, no matter how briefly the high lights are dwelt upon. One is touched with the sadness and the inevitability of it all... M. F.

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