Kind Lady was shocking and quite unusual in its time, but in today's climate of violence and crime it is very bland and unsatisfactory. With three nasty adults taking advantage of one elderly spinster, the story is very nasty and sadistic. On the other hand, if it's terror you want, you won't get it from the doughty, super-dignified Ethel Barrymore (who, oddly is so naive that she is taken in by the leader of the crooks for some time and then allows a really creepy couple into her home).
Suspense can only be created if the menaced character is desperate and terrified, and that doesn't happen here. Indeed, we keep wondering why the old lady isn't more ingenious or forceful in trying to escape or to let others know of her plight--after all, she must know many people in the neighbourhood. But we get the impression that Barrymore is too great a lady to do anything as undignified as fight for her life.
The whole thing is such an unsavoury story that it could have been concocted as a cautionary tale by Republicans or Tories--look what happens when you try to help the poor! Especially artists! You want to keep well away from THEM!
Suspense can only be created if the menaced character is desperate and terrified, and that doesn't happen here. Indeed, we keep wondering why the old lady isn't more ingenious or forceful in trying to escape or to let others know of her plight--after all, she must know many people in the neighbourhood. But we get the impression that Barrymore is too great a lady to do anything as undignified as fight for her life.
The whole thing is such an unsavoury story that it could have been concocted as a cautionary tale by Republicans or Tories--look what happens when you try to help the poor! Especially artists! You want to keep well away from THEM!