Apparently the other reviewers really liked this movie and I am happy they liked it. As for me, perhaps I am too picky, but the movie seemed like a good idea that was indifferently executed. It's a shame, too, as I love Tyrone Power films and there was a lot to like about the film--but also a lot that frustrated me as well.
The film begins with Power playing a scientist from MIT. While he should have been quite happy about his life, he is rather distant from everyone. When a co-worker (Michael Rennie) talks to him about this, Power confides that he is happy alone AND he plans on leaving--for another time!!! How, he doesn't know, but through reading a diary and looking at an 18th century painting that looks exactly like him, Tyrone is sure he's about to take this amazing journey back in time. Rennie, naturally, thinks he's a nutter! However, very suddenly and with no real scientific explanation, lightning strikes and Power is transported back to 1784.
Now you would THINK that a man who was educated at MIT would be able to somehow muddle through the 18th century. Sadly, however, he seems a bit dim and only succeeds in convincing those of the past that he's either crazy or in league with Satan! He just doesn't do a credible job of fitting in and again and again freaks people out because he knows the future. The only one who doesn't behave afraid of him is lovely Ann Blyth. But, by the end of the movie, Power is once again transported magically to the present time and he and Blyth are parted...of sorts.
It was a neat idea having him fall in love and this could have been handled better--such as her returning to the present with him. Additionally, as his character seemed awfully dumb (being unable to come close to fitting in) and there was no explanation for any of this hocus-pocus, I was just left more confused--feeling like a lot of important details STILL should have been worked out before the movie was completed.
An earnest effort that just doesn't quite hit the mark for me.
The film begins with Power playing a scientist from MIT. While he should have been quite happy about his life, he is rather distant from everyone. When a co-worker (Michael Rennie) talks to him about this, Power confides that he is happy alone AND he plans on leaving--for another time!!! How, he doesn't know, but through reading a diary and looking at an 18th century painting that looks exactly like him, Tyrone is sure he's about to take this amazing journey back in time. Rennie, naturally, thinks he's a nutter! However, very suddenly and with no real scientific explanation, lightning strikes and Power is transported back to 1784.
Now you would THINK that a man who was educated at MIT would be able to somehow muddle through the 18th century. Sadly, however, he seems a bit dim and only succeeds in convincing those of the past that he's either crazy or in league with Satan! He just doesn't do a credible job of fitting in and again and again freaks people out because he knows the future. The only one who doesn't behave afraid of him is lovely Ann Blyth. But, by the end of the movie, Power is once again transported magically to the present time and he and Blyth are parted...of sorts.
It was a neat idea having him fall in love and this could have been handled better--such as her returning to the present with him. Additionally, as his character seemed awfully dumb (being unable to come close to fitting in) and there was no explanation for any of this hocus-pocus, I was just left more confused--feeling like a lot of important details STILL should have been worked out before the movie was completed.
An earnest effort that just doesn't quite hit the mark for me.