Enchantment (1948)

Very Cool!!!

Sorry, this movie sucks

A film with more than the usual spoiler issues. Talking about it in any detail feels akin to handing you a gift-wrapped present and saying, "I hope you like it -- It's a thriller about a diabolical secret experiment."

This film is so real. It treats its characters with so much care and sensitivity.

I have mixed feelings about this film.There are some aspects of the film I really like. For example, the acting is quite solid. Teresa Wright was a fine actress, and my favorite film of hers for me is "Shadow Of A Doubt" by Hitchcock. She doesn't disappoint here, either. I'm generally rather neutral on David Niven, but I thought he did very well here, particularly in heavy makeup as the old Rolo. Evelyn Keys, of "GWTW" fame, always did rather nicely, although I always think of her being in "The Jolson Story". Farley Granger does well as the young love interest. A surprisingly strong performance is turned in by Jane Meadows, although you're unlikely to like her role. Phillip Friend was quite good; I would have liked his role as Niven's brother to be a little more extensive. Leo G. Carroll is a welcome addition to any film. Beyond the acting, the production values here are quite strong.On the other hand, the ending is disappointing and seems to come out of nowhere. Did they simply run out of time or money? A happy ending wasn't in the cards, but a more fulfilling ending could have been developed.A very interesting scene, right near the end of the pic, is the bombing raid over London. It's well done and, I thought, showed the fear that must have been ever-present in those situations.I'll give this film a strong "7", but with the hype TCM was giving it, I was expecting an "8".

I just saw this movie this morning at 4 am, and found it like many other oldies to be a goodie. A well told story, with complexity and sentiment woven together like a fine tapestry. Not a particular David Niven fan, but like Cary Grant, he possessed a kind of boyish sincerity and vulnerability that was probably a big part of his appeal.But...if you enjoyed this movie and seek something similar, and especially if you are a Niven fan, then look for "A Matter of Life and Death," AKA "Stairway to Heaven." This film is equal to "Enchantment," and that is a high compliment. Good luck in finding it, and enjoy.

Krdement's user comment I concur with when it made the point about the fatal lack of communication between Lark and Rollo.A girl in love would always listen to her beau face to face, rather than believe the spiteful talk of sister Selena.Why then oh why did not Lark await Rollo's return instead of running away out of the house, while Rollo tried to delay his trip to Afganistan with his regiment; so he and Lark could be married first?This was the basic weakness of the story, otherwise I rated the story excellent.Both my wife and I enjoyed it as 63 and 61 year olds.I always know when she is enjoying a film when she violently tells me to "shush" if I dare to speak and she misses some of the dialogue! It was fascinating following the parallel stories of the different generations in the same rooms over 70 years."A room is never empty".I rated it 7/10.

and superb acting in this wartime story. Jayne Meadows as the cold, manipulative sister is terrific as is Gigi Perreau in a small but very effective role as a child. David Niven is a delight and more intense than he usually is. Great yarn, good acting, delightful music and highly atmospheric. Glad I caught it.