Elizabeth Bowen's novel "The Heat of the Day" is considered by many to be the finest novel written about Britain/London during World War Two. It certainly is a great romance. This Masterpiece Theater version is a surprise, not unwelcome, thanks to some strong performances, but it ultimately tries to dry out the story/plot to its essentials and does not take advantage of Bowen's own cinematic descriptions of her characters, story and setting.Patricia Hodge is a strange Stella Rodney. Her performance is strong but her characterization is off the mark. This is a Stella in control. One can't believe that she would be dependent on anyone, much less her lover, so that when she is expected to unravel, it scarcely seems believable. Stella's romance with Robert is circumstantial and special. It is made possible by the blitz London atmosphere and is, indeed, a rebirth for the heroine of the novel. It suggests that finally, Stella, a divorcee, is able to find intimacy from someone other than her son (who is played abominably). But Hodge's Stella is so controlled, so dry and so independent that she is startling and very unromantic. Her tragedy is not believable.
The strongest perfomances are by Michael Gambon (who plays Harrison, probably the hardest character to play in the novel with all he can to give us some sense of what the character is about - the script gives him litle aid), Peggy Ashcroft and the women who play Robert's mother and sister (they're terrifying).
It's worth seeing if you're into the book. It will probably make you disagree with it's take, but I don't think it will disappoint.
This is a very suspenseful film with outstanding acting.
1999-08-08
This film stars Patricia Hodge, one of England's most beautiful and competent actresses, and Michael Gambon, one of the greats. Michael York plays a pivotal role but the film really belongs to Hodge and Gambon. I have been trying to secure a copy for my own library to no avail. If you ever have the opportunity to see the film don't let the chance pass you by. It is suspenseful to the very end. And even then the viewer isn't exactly sure how it ends. Hodge and Gambon play against each other in a way that you will never forget. The beauty and the "beast".
Not What I Expected
1999-01-23
Elizabeth Bowen's novel "The Heat of the Day" is considered by many to be the finest novel written about Britain/London during World War Two. It certainly is a great romance. This Masterpiece Theater version is a surprise, not unwelcome, thanks to some strong performances, but it ultimately tries to dry out the story/plot to its essentials and does not take advantage of Bowen's own cinematic descriptions of her characters, story and setting.
