"Sons and Lovers" - (1960) Trevor Howard, Wendy Hiller, Dean Stockwell

 

Use this link. https://youtu.be/qVtPAVtucjY?si=ZwAwNceh19ZGKa3Q

Written in 1912 by D.H. Lawrence,  "Sons and Lovers" was controversial when first published. It explores the conflict which exists between the relationships of mothers and sons. One clings, while the other seeks a new love of its own.

I remember vaguely the controversy the film elicited when it was released in 1960. I recall discussions between my parents and their friends about it, though I had no idea what they were talking about. As a teenager I tried to read it, but I was too young to really understand the book to its full extent.

The film has never been remade. I don't think it ever will be. It could never, in my mind, equal the stark reality created here. And though our views of morality and desire have changed drastically in the 65 years since its release, there are still some truths which are eternal. The film is as relevant now as it was then.

Trevor Howard and Dean Stockwell are riveting in their performances as father and son, and both are equalled by their counterparts, Wendy Hiller as the mother, and Mary Ure, as the married woman with whom Dean Stockwell has an affair, and Heather Sears as the girl he once loved.

"Golden Salamander" with Trevor Howard, Anouk Aimee and Herbert Lom (1949)

Directed by Ronald Neame from a novel by Victor Canning, this screen adaptation by Lesley Storm is the crème de la crème of British film noire from the late 1940's. In my own opinion it ranks right up there with "The Third Man" starring Orson Welles. The plot is deceptively simple, insurance investigator David Redfern, played by Trevor Howard, is faced with busting an antique theft ring in Tunisia, or going after the woman he falls in love with, Anna, played by screen legend Anouk Aimée. If you have never seen her on screen before, this is the movie to start with. It is also one of my all-time favorite films from the J. Arthur Rank Organisation. I always loved the way they began the films with that traditional gong. It really set the tone for the intrigue to come.

With a Mid-Eastern flavor evoking strains of "Casablanca", this is a very cleverly written film. I could tell you more about it, or you can just watch it above. I love You Tube. For some good synopsis' of the film go to;

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0043594/reviews