Liebe ohne Skrupel

As Sylvia there is called the name of Sandrine Dumas but it is Sandra Dumas a dutch model in those years. She only made her appearance in Twice a Woman (Twee Vrouwen). There is now (2008) a new RESTORED release of that PICTURE as part of "Beelden voor de Toekomst" from the Dutch Filmmuseum e.a. Completely remastered and part of two copies re-aranged and fixed in association with the director George Sluizer. He managed to get two Hollywood stars in his picture. Bibi Anderson and Anthony Perkins. An unicum in dutch filmhistory in that time. But it still is a brilliant piece of work. Both the writer (Harry Mulisch) as the director.

How can you go wrong with two of the best actors around -- Anthony Perkins and Bibi Andersson?

Well, add one absolutely horrid actress. Mix in some overwrought music. Combine this with atrocious editing, so-so cinematography, and an adequate director.

Oh, and don't forget the lousy screenplay, filled with characters who are either pitiable or just plain unlikeable.

I had to give Mr. Perkins and Miss Andersson two stars each for surviving this catastrophe. In fact, the scenes with the two of them are the only aspects of this movie worth watching.

Both are great actors, and have worked with the best. How they found themselves caught in this mess is a mystery that ranks right up there with the Holy Trinity and the Bermuda Triangle.

OK, so now I own a copy. I think I'll keep it. If I ever get discouraged with my writing, I'll just pop this in to remind myself just how terrible some movies can be.