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"The Red Kimona" is a laudable attempt at addressing a social problem that, alas, is undermined by the cliched performance of its leading lady. It's a rare and interesting effort, produced by actress Dorothy Davenport Reid as part of her ongoing series of dramas addressing societal ills such as drug addiction and prostitution. But, while I believe Priscilla Bonner's performance in the leading role is sincerely felt, she uses almost every expression that's come to represent silent-film acting at its most mechanical. (She's also a dead ringer for Colleen Moore, but, alas, lacks that lady's natural acting instincts.) Her acting actually dates the film more than the settings or subject matter. While the film is certainly worth a look due to its historic import, it won't bear up under repeated viewings.

Derivative claptrap, undermined further by a weak performance by its marginally talented leading lady. Kudos to the supporting cast for crafting strong performances out of paper-thin material, particularly the underrated Fionnula Flanagan. Their fine work, however, will not alleviate the viewer's growing frustration and boredom with this piece. Its director shamelessly rips off every suspense classic from "The Uninvited" and "The Haunting" to "The Innocents" and "The Sixth Sense", but does so without skill or coherence. By the time the "surprise ending" rolls around, you'll be groaning louder than a house full of restless spirits--over your wasted time and money.

This remake of the Laughton/Power/Dietrich film is quite enjoyable, owing to skillful casting, top production values, and, of course, Dame Christie's cracking good story. Sadly, the only liability is the performance of Sir Ralph Richardson (It's almost unspeakable to say this; I feel like Brutus plunging the knife into his Caesar). This was one of his last performances, and his immense skill simply cannot overcome his advanced age. (Granted, his character is supposed to be aged and ill, but Sir Ralph is unable to act intrigued and energized by his last case the way Laughton was in the original.) Still, his presence alone delivers barrels full of audience goodwill, and the piece is anchored by fine performances from Diana Rigg in the Dietrich role, Deborah Kerr in Elsa Lanchester's part (a fun bit of off-casting!) and by Beau Bridges, who stretches himself beyond his normal nice-guy blandness and convinces in the Ty Power role. A nice movie for a rainy afternoon or a boring holiday!