Fragile, wealthy, and elderly Ethel Barrymore (as Mary Herries) invites struggling artist Maurice Evans (as Henry Springer Elcott) into her home. A London art collector filled with Christian charity, Ms. Barrymore wants to help Mr. Evans' sickly wife Betsy Blair (as Ada Elcott) recover from a fainting spell. But, the couple turn out to be con artists. Soon, her house-guest has taken over, getting rid of the servants and binding Barrymore in her bed. Moreover, Evans has crooked Keenan Wynn (as Edwards) and shifty wife Angela Lansbury move in as maid and butler, while he pretends to be Barrymore's nephew.
They sell Barrymore's valuables and tell inquisitors the "Kind Lady" has suddenly become delusional.
This re-make of the 1935 stage play and subsequent film is delightfully well-cast, features fine production values, and good direction from John Sturges with cinematographer Joseph Ruttenberg. But, not much done to improve the adaptation. Characters and situations come and go with little or no explanation - some even have no point in being part of the story at all. For example, something sinister could have been done with the cat - or, at least hinted at - and the naughty child "Aggie" (played by Barbara Shields) disappears after quite an entertaining introduction. It's certainly worth watching, but a bit frustrating.
****** Kind Lady (6/20/51) John Sturges ~ Ethel Barrymore, Maurice Evans, Angela Lansbury, Keenan Wynn
They sell Barrymore's valuables and tell inquisitors the "Kind Lady" has suddenly become delusional.
This re-make of the 1935 stage play and subsequent film is delightfully well-cast, features fine production values, and good direction from John Sturges with cinematographer Joseph Ruttenberg. But, not much done to improve the adaptation. Characters and situations come and go with little or no explanation - some even have no point in being part of the story at all. For example, something sinister could have been done with the cat - or, at least hinted at - and the naughty child "Aggie" (played by Barbara Shields) disappears after quite an entertaining introduction. It's certainly worth watching, but a bit frustrating.
****** Kind Lady (6/20/51) John Sturges ~ Ethel Barrymore, Maurice Evans, Angela Lansbury, Keenan Wynn