These Foolish Things

I showed this film at our local theatre, where I voluntarily act as cinema manager, presenting two Friday night film shows per month. We had a good turnout and our mature, discerning audience really enjoyed this light comedy romance set in London's West End, immediately prior to the outbreak of World War Two. Zoe Tapper makes a lovely, charming heroine while Leo Bill does well as her 'reptile cousin', Garstin. Terence Stamp steals the show as a butler delivering a succession of witty/sarcastic comments (which had our audience laughing out loud). Debutant director Julia Taylor-Stanley has produced a commendable first effort, - a piece of glamorous, escapist, old-fashioned cinema with a terrific cast and an outstanding music soundtrack. Perfect for those Senior Screen film shows, in my opinion!

Diana and Robin are two youngsters who want to work in the entertainment business in 1939 London. Because, what the world needs is just another actress or playwright, especially on the verge of WWI.

The irony is that Diana wants so much to be an actress but everybody - except her boyfriend - tells her she's a bad actress, and that is the actual truth.

Funniest line, Diana telling Robin "I don't want to get a part just because you're writing it for me"... Diana darling, sleeping with the playwright (and the director) is the only way you are EVER going to get a part.

The main characters Diana and Robin are played by two unknown - for me - without any chemistry or subtlety. Not surprisingly, after this, they both ended up in the TV grinder of second-rate British series.

Bacall, Stamp, and Anjelica Huston play supporting roles. It is weird to think they must have been so much in need of yet another paycheck to accept starring in this stinker.

The main credit of this film is that it brings you into the art of the theatre, behind the curtains, probing into the private lives of the actors and their agonies before the production, how a play is made and staged and how those mainly in charge act and interact - it's not just about ambition and talent, it involves relationships, passion, personal problems, derailments and even envy and sabotage - it's all here, at the brink of the Second World War just before it breaks out and involving the very outbreak and its disastrous consequences for the theatre - although a fiction it is all realistic and credible and gives you an invaluable insight into theatre work, on stage and off stage. It's a must for anyone involved with the theatre as a lover or worker or just a fan, and it is priceless for its revelations. Add to this the presence of legendary veterans like Lauren Bacall, Ray Dotrice, Julia McKenzie, Anjelica Houston and, perhaps the most important part of all, Terence Stamp as the butler. Keep your eyes on him and don't miss a moment of his stoic acting, which is what saves and leads the film forward every time he appears. The main actors are Zoë Tapper, David Leon and Andrew Lincoln, but there are many others who are exceedingly good as well. As a unique film bringing the world of the theatre into a unique light of vividness, it does deserve the highest rate.

We watched this film at home from a DVD and found it a pleasing alternative to the garbage being shown at the local multiplex. Since we obtained the DVD from a local library, saving $20. and avoiding the cell phones in a theatre was an added bonus. We thought Zoe Tapper was endearing in the primary role and the other Brits supporting her all did a stellar job. We thought the American additions Angelica Huston and Lauren Bacall contributed little and would have preferred Judi Dench and Francesca Annis but that's reaching for the stars. Always enjoy the films of the World War II era because their music is so far superior to what passes for melody in contemporary "music." Finally, we had the bonus of the special features showing the director and cast commenting on the production of the film. If a sentimental couple is seeking nostalgia in their evening's entertainment at home, this DVD is a good choice.

What is the point of having actors dress up in period clothes when the leading male actor has long hair. Furthermore the play supposedly opens on the day war was declared.This was a Sunday when theatres did not open.In any event all cinemas and theares were immediately closed. The film lacks any entertainment at all.Thankfully I did not waste money in seeing this in a cinema.