Indiscreet

I have been reading some of the comments about this film. Everyone needs to lighten up - This movie is basically what movie making is supposed to be about: ENTERTAINMENT! This is a light comedy. It stars two of the screens finest: Ingrid Bergman and Cary Grant. It has no hidden message, no hidden meanings. Just sit back and enjoy the performances. The entire cast is splendid - and directed very, very well. It was intended to be a "fun" film. It is fun to see the relationship blossom - it's fun to see the chaos that ensues. I have always adored Ingrid Bergman - I have always loved Cary Grant. You'll love them, too. Stanley Donen made very adult films, meaning subject, not content in this case. There is nothing in this film that children should not see - they just won't understand it. But it was not made for kids anyway, so, pop some popcorn, grab a soda, put your feet up and have fun watching this film!

I can't believe that some people thought any part of this film was boring! It isn't an action movie. It's about the developing relationship between two mature people and it is, indeed, a comedy. There are some great lines from Ingrid, who holds one spellbound throughout - with her acting, with her beauty and with those elegant gowns. Sorry, don't even mention those other actresses in the same breath as Bergman! She is in a class of her own - and shows it in this film. She was 42 when she filmed it - and it really doesn't make any difference. She's not pretending to be a young girl with her first lover. As for any comparison with "Notorious" - no! You can't compare these two films. Both are great, both star Bergman and Grant - similarity ends there! I would like to add that the supporting roles are admirably played by all - especially the brilliant Cecil Parker [Alfred Munson], who had me in stitches. Mary Hutchings [founder, Ingrid Bergman International at Yahoo Clubs]

Appreciation for the 1958 romantic comedy 'Indiscreet' will likely depend on one's interest in watching the two stars, Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman, play out romantic scenarios. Though both deliver charming performances, one is left with the impression that the generic and largely unfunny script would have come apart completely in less capable hands. As it is, 'Indiscreet' is not a bad movie. The performances of the two leads, together with a few genuinely amusing moments towards the end as the couple's tangled schemes start to unravel, are enough to compensate for its deficiencies. However, for another, much finer, Bergman/Grant romance, try Alfred Hitchcock's 'Notorious.'

Out of Warner Brothers, Indiscreet is directed by Stanley Donen and stars Ingrid Bergman & Cary Grant, with support coming from Cecil Parker, Phyllis Calvert, David Kossoff & Megs Jenkins. It is based on the play "Kind Sir" written by Norman Krasna. Plot sees Bergman as Anna Kalman, an accomplished actress who can't believe her luck when she finally meets the man of her dreams, Philip Adams (Grant). However, Phillip is keeping a secret, a secret that Anna finds out about and promptly sets about getting even with him for.

Indiscreet is a very simple movie. Grant and Bergman re-team again 12 years after making Notorious with Alfred Hitchcock. Their chemistry is again sparkling and Donen utilises it to the maximum by naturally building the film around the charismatic stars. There's no hidden agendas here, the movie knows it is breezy and understands that good writing (edgy at times) and two comfortable actors can make for good entertainment. It starts off slow, but the character build up pays off once Grant & Bergman start their romance, in fact the comedy is indeed thin on the ground for the first half of the film. But once the secret at the core of the plot is out, the comedy kicks into gear, with a dancing party sequence joyous and alone is worth watching the film for.

Also note worthy is the London location which provides a fitting back drop to the well mannered, well to do, coupling of Anna & Phillip. While the costumes too are pleasing and hang nicely off of the two aesthetically safe-in middle-age actors. It's no screwball, far from it, so any expectation of that will surely disappoint newcomers. And true to say it's very old fashioned and of its time as regards its romantic ideals. But that's OK, we like light hearted well written comedy, especially when it's performed as smooth as it is here. 7/10

Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman give a masterclass in screen chemistry, and look very much like a couple in the throes of new love. That strange fascination you have for each other, the long, almost quizzical stares, comfortable moments of silence - it's all there, given ample time to breathe and play out naturally by director Stanley Donen's unhurried camera.

The ending feels a little rushed though, especially in the final moments, and the film as a whole feels considerably longer than its runtime but those flaws are far from fatal. What's a little more disappointing is the lack of any really remarkable humour. It nails the romance, but seems undecided as to whether it wants to be a comedy or not. Before the jarring switch to semi-farce in the final act most of the humour comes from supporting actors and consequently feels like something of an afterthought.

Overall this is a class act. A sophisticated, quiet romantic comedy that sees everyone involved at the top of their game. And while it's not a perfect confection it's sweet enough to satisfy even the most helpless of romantics.