The Madeleine Smith trial titillated the British forever, with its young woman possibly murdering an ex lover to get rid of him. All good ripe stuff that you can imagine Gainsborough doing in their heyday with Lockwood and Granger. But this was Cineguild, who were too cool for school - one of their several "lets show Gainsborough how it's done" movies (Passionate Friends, Blanche Fury).
It's beautifully shot, skilfully directed. Looks a dream. Gorgeous. David Lean was great director.
But there's no point of view. No heart. No passion. No decent stars. Ann Todd is dull. Competent but no fire. There's non entities in the other roles. Todd is the centre of it but then loses touch as the focus comes about the trial.
It's a beautiful shell of a film.
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