Every now and then Errol Flynn was given the chance to Act, i.e. play a role different to his persona. This is perhaps his most famous Acting performance, as the character of Soames – stuffy, uptight, money-hungry – is miles away from the sort of roles he usually plays. (It was also his first film outside Warners since he arrived in Hollywood). And it's got to be said he handles it very well – it’s not a fantastic performance but it’s a very good one, cruel yet sympathetic; I think Flynn knew a few Soameses in his life.He’s certainly a lot better than Walter Pigeon and Robert Young are in their parts, either of which Flynn could have been far more suited to play. Pigeon I think could have played Soames; he just gets by as an artist, if only because he’s not on screen very long, but Young just shouldn’t have been in the film (when he declares his love for Garson, it’s laughable - his relationship with her should be a core of the film but instead you shift all your sympathy over to Flynn).
Greer Garson is in decent form as Irene – this movie brought an end to a run of poor films for her. Janet Leigh’s American accent clanks but she is pretty and dim, which is what the role requires. This is a decent movie, with a strong story and support cast. Compton Bennett's direction is competent rather than inspired (he was brought over to Hollywood on the strength of The Seventh Veil but was soon found out.) You can’t shake the feeling, though, that it should have been made by Gainsborough Pictures with James Mason, Stewart Granger and Phyllis Calvert.
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