Terence Rattigan, as has been said quite a few times already, has very quickly become one of my favourite playwrights, his dialogue is so intelligent, witty and meaty, his characterisation so dynamic, complex and real, with a real understanding of the human condition and such and the storytelling so beautifully constructed and precise.
While it is more a 20 minute monologue and practically a showcase for its leading actress, 'All On Her Own' has all of those qualities. It is not one of my favourite Rattigan works like 'The Winslow Boy', 'Separate Tables' and particularly 'The Browning Version' are, but of The Terence Rattigan Collection DVD box-set, which is essential for fans and even the weakest on the set 'Adventure Story' has its interest points (such as Sean Connery in an early lead role) and strengths.
Visually the later Rattigan adaptations on the box-set are more refined, this production of 'All On Her Own' being the third oldest of the productions, though the production values are more attractive and less creaky, the low budget not showing as much, than the previous Rattigan productions on the box-set 'Adventure Story' and 'Heart to Heart'.
'All On Her Own' is beautifully written, being thought-provoking and arresting for the whole short duration. Also showing Rattigan's skill, shown in his best work, laying bare deep emotional and psychological strains in his principal characters within a skillful dramatic framework, even if there are better examples.
Commissioned especially for Margaret Leighton, herself no stranger to Rattigan, it is very easy to see why as Leighton commands the screen/stage effortlessly in a sincere and moving performance in what is essentially a one-woman show.
In summary, although short and not quite among Rattigan's best 'All On Her Own' is still an excellent showcase of both Rattigan and especially Leighton. 9/10 Bethany Cox