The House in the Square

I haven't forgotten this movie even though haven't seen it in

almost 40 years. Tyrone Power plays a man unhappy with his own era in

human time while being almost obsessed with 18th century England.

Somehow, he knows that, due to a lightning bolt or something, he is

going to trade places with a man from the 18th century. And he is

delighted at the prospect of being transported to the era of charm,

grace, and sophistication and exchange wisdoms and witticisms with such

greats as Ben Johnson in a London coffee house. When the time switch

happens, he discovers that the times weren't what they were cracked up

to be. The streets are foul. The coffee shop conversationalists are

pompous and depressingly ignorant of certain fundamentals (to a 20th

century man) of science, geography, and even philosophical essentials

of the dignity of mankind. And instead of himself being received as a

man blessed with advance scientific knowledge, he is perceived to be

both an agent of Satan and insane. Meanwhile, of course, he meets the alter ego of the woman he knew in

the 20th century and a tender, haunting love story envelops the viewer.

This is a powerful and disturbing film. Its fantasy-for-the-sake-of-idea storyline sends a man back in time to the days of Samuel Johnson, Boswell, and the England of the bygone era. The time traveling scientist is played most ably by Tyrone Power. He falls in love back in time, runs afoul of those who wonder how he can know the future, and is compelled to return to his own era. This film was adapted from John Balderston's eerie play "Berkeley Square" by Ranald Macdougall. The director of this beautiful; B/W dramatic gem was Roy Baker. In the cast along with Power were Ann Blyth, Michael Rennie, Kathleen Byron, Beatrice Capmbell, Irene Browne, Raymond Huntley, Felix Aylmer, Ronald Adam, Robert Atkins, Alex McCrindle, Ronald Simpson and many more. Whenever the time traveler makes an error in tenses, the 18th Century denizens grow afraid of him, wondering if he is a witch or a madman. But he is able to see and converse with Sir Joshua Reynolds, Samuel Johnson, Boswell and others; and the time traveler returns home to an even stranger ending than he had imagined--or that the viewers could have guessed. The film boasts very fine music by William Alwyn, wonderful costumes by Margaret Furse and art direction by C.P. Norman that is a delight to behold. This is a powerful production, unforgettable, and a bit unusual until one gets used to it. The B/W sets look densely photographed and very convincing; for some reason, the feature hard-to-find in this country but not to be missed if you get the opportunity. Also known as "The House On the Square".

I saw this movie in 1951, when I was seven years old. Because several scenes remained engraved on my mind, years later, when I recalled those scenes, I was able to identify the stars (Tyrone Power and Ann Blythe). Heaven knows how I remembered the name of the movie. I am DYING to see it again because of the powerful impression it made on me as a little girl. I scour the TV Guide regularly, but so far no luck. Does anyone have any idea who owns this movie? I keep hoping Turner will find it in some lot of films he buys and show it on his TCM station.

I saw this movie in the 50's and thought it was one of the most beautiful love stories. Ann Blyth was one of my favorite actresses and she was, as usual, simply marvelous. Why don't they show it on television or put it out on video. I would love to see it again.

If you haven't seen this movie you are missing Tyrone Power's best performance. It's a beautiful love story, and the ending is memorable. This movie is almost impossible to find in the rental store in the U.S.A, but I think it is available in England. This story is a candidate for a remake by a savvy producer, and I hope, but doubt it will ever be remade. I think the movie should be re-released and placed in the racks of the rental store, so others of the new generation would have the opportunity to see this entertaining flick. I recommend this movie, especially if you want to see a love story the way they were portrayed approximately 40 years ago.