While the central character has sadly faded as an uninspiring and outdated vaudeville performer, England itself has lost its luster in 1956. From start to finish, there is a distinct sadness not only about Archie Rice and his tragically dysfunctional family but about the once great nation and society that surrounds them. The script by John Osborne is brilliant and captures a prevailing sense of decline on many levels. Tony Richardson's direction in stark black and white enhances the overall atmosphere of psychological and financial depression. While Archie is plagued by the threat of the tax authorities, creditors, and some very disgruntled and broke members of his cast, the state of undischarged bankruptcy doesn't end with him. It extends into the dismal, grey atmosphere that surrounds him.
The time is only a short decade after the Allied victory of World War II. While the defeated nations of Germany and Japan are booming economically, what does the United Kingdom receive for having endured all of its troubles? It must suffer the loss of the Suez Canal, as just one example, and an overwhelming mood of stagnation and hopelessness that is captured in all of the films of the "Angry Young Man" movement of British cinema. If the pathetic Rice family serves as an example, British society has reached a low point of gloom and hopelessness. Anyone who wants to fulfill his or her dreams must look to Canada or Africa, anywhere except England. Oh Britannia!
The acting here is nothing less than superb on the part of the entire cast but especially from seasoned veterans Sir Laurence Olivier, Brenda de Banzie ("The Man Who Knew Too Much" (1956)), and Roger Livesey ("The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp") with his incomparable, distinct voice. The setting of Morecambe, the chilly and cheerless Irish Sea resort on the west coast of England, reminds me of Atlantic City during its long period of decay, but the atmosphere here is even colder and more depressing. While the crowds may be on holiday, they seem to be very dissatisfied and therefore unhappy. Although this is by no means a "feel-good" film, the wonderful cast, the very thoughtful and thought-provoking script, and the creation of a very realistic and distinctly melancholy atmosphere combine to make this movie a very worthwhile and memorable experience.
The time is only a short decade after the Allied victory of World War II. While the defeated nations of Germany and Japan are booming economically, what does the United Kingdom receive for having endured all of its troubles? It must suffer the loss of the Suez Canal, as just one example, and an overwhelming mood of stagnation and hopelessness that is captured in all of the films of the "Angry Young Man" movement of British cinema. If the pathetic Rice family serves as an example, British society has reached a low point of gloom and hopelessness. Anyone who wants to fulfill his or her dreams must look to Canada or Africa, anywhere except England. Oh Britannia!
The acting here is nothing less than superb on the part of the entire cast but especially from seasoned veterans Sir Laurence Olivier, Brenda de Banzie ("The Man Who Knew Too Much" (1956)), and Roger Livesey ("The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp") with his incomparable, distinct voice. The setting of Morecambe, the chilly and cheerless Irish Sea resort on the west coast of England, reminds me of Atlantic City during its long period of decay, but the atmosphere here is even colder and more depressing. While the crowds may be on holiday, they seem to be very dissatisfied and therefore unhappy. Although this is by no means a "feel-good" film, the wonderful cast, the very thoughtful and thought-provoking script, and the creation of a very realistic and distinctly melancholy atmosphere combine to make this movie a very worthwhile and memorable experience.