What’s the Matter with Helen?

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1970's, Agnes Moorehead, Curtis Harrington, Debbie Reynolds, Dennis Weaver, Micheál Mac Liammóir, Shelley Winters, Thriller, What’s the Matter with Helen?

I was invited to take part in a blogathon to pay tribute to the great Shelley Winters by Gill and Erica . My first entry will be of the Grand Guignol thriller What’s the Matter with Helen? I’m doing this review early as I’m very busy and away on holiday next week.

A campy, enjoyable and creepy thriller that is not afraid to be over the top, What’s the Matter with Helen? finds the pairing of Debbie Reynolds and Shelley Winters. It’s not a perfect movie and hardly vintage, bu t it has its moments and the performances, particularly from Winters, are where it’s at.

Its the 1930’s and two boys commit a horrible murder. The boys are the sons of good friends Helen Hill( Shelley Winters) and Adelle Bruckner(Debbie Reynolds). After the boys are convicted, the two mothers are hounded ferociously and someone even starts stalking them. Terrified and wanting to start over, Adelle and Helen move to Hollywood and change both their looks and last names. This is all an attempt to escape their collective past and hopefully start afresh by opening a dance school for promising young girls wanting to be the next Shirley Temple. Adelle is the stronger of the two though she’s clearly on the make for money and success why she’s at it, while Helen is fragile and prone to aspects of paranoia. Having assumed different identities, things seem on the up for Adelle and Helen as no one knows them and life looks brighter. Adelle finds herself attracted to Lincoln Palmer( Dennis Weaver), the wealthy father of one of her students. He sweeps her off her feet and Adelle is soon seeing herself in line to success and money. Things are harder on Helen who really struggles with letting go of the past and finds herself growing ever more disturbed by life, specifically the relationship with Lincoln that Adelle finds herself in. She believes that someone is still stalking her and Adelle and begins to emotionally evaporate. Trying to cling to her religion helps stifle some of it but soon things spin wildly out of control for everyone surrounding and including Helen.

Curtis Harrington is in the director’s chair and does a serviceable job combining thriller with old school melodrama. It’s not award winning direction, but it has a sense of place and feeling which stand it in good stead and once he hits the creepy areas, he shines.  What’s the Matter with Helen? is trying to emulate the enormous success of What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? and Hush Hush, Sweet Charlotte and it has atmosphere going for it . While it never quite reaches the levels of the previous films mentioned( sometimes the narrative throws too much too quickly at us, not knowing when to stop and the pacing is left a bit wonky), What’s the Matter with Helen? still has its virtues. This starts with atmosphere which is a strong suit of this film and something that undoubtedly leaves you more than a little tense. It really hits the best moments near the 45 minute mark and from then on, everything begins to escalate and build towards a startling finish. The setting of the 30’s is rendered with a good amount of detail that shows it as a glamorous yet often sinister place, backed up by the darkness in the story that befalls both leading ladies. The settings reflect this with darkness pervading many of them but the sheen of starry gold of bright lights remains. We even get old newsreels to begin the film which is a nice touch that thrusts us into the story. Props to the visual department and set designs for bringing the 30’s to life as a backdrop to something much darker. The tone features the off the wall and melodrama of films like it in the past and that’s what makes it watchable. The fact it can be seriously creepy then campy is pretty nifty, even if not intentional. And things are really turned up to the max as the film progresses, with over the top antics and strange happenings taking full stage and unashamedly so. It won’t be to all tastes, but these kinds of movies usually are ones people either love or don’t. The score is wonderfully eerie at not being overly intrusive  but when called for, ringing through with a sense of terror and irony.

Its the acting that is one of the strong suits in the uneven but watchable narrative. Shelley Winters is the clear standout with a performance that builds little by little towards cracking. You can gather that Helen is unstable but it’s the portrayal from the professional that is Miss Winters that truly gives it its magic. Her dour, melancholy demeanour is adept at charting the mental disintegration of a haunted woman and with a raised voice here and a questionable antic there, Winters knows how to invoke both sympathy and chills. Debbie Reynolds is no slouch either as the dramatic, self-obsessed Adelle, who truly dreams of making it big. We are so used to seeing Reynolds as a sweet faced and innocent lady that it’s a kick to see her portray someone who isn’t exactly the nicest of people. Plus she gets to show off her considerable singing and dancing skills which can’t be denied. Dennis Weaver is appropriately smooth and suave as the businessman wooing Adelle, but not realising its beginning to drive a wedge between the two old friends. Micheál Mac Liammóir is wonderfully imposing as an elocution teacher who always seems to turn up at the wrong time and creep everyone out.

Agnes Moorehead, in a mainly one scene performance, is sensational as an evangelist who Helen follows to the letter of the law. I love her scene as she gives it all forgiveness and being generous, when she’s really just avaricious.

A finely acted that isn’t going to pass as high art but is an enjoyably creepy and gleefully dramatic slice of psycho biddy thriller with Debbie Reynolds and the wonderful Shelley Winters going all out.

Hustlers

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2010's, Based on a true story, Cardi B, Constance Wu, Crime, Drama, Hustlers, Jennifer Lopez, Julia Stiles, Keke Palmer, Lili Reinhart, Lizzo, Lorene Scafaria, Mercedes Ruehl

Based on the true story of strip club workers scamming their clientele in efforts to make ends meet and sock it to the man, Hustlers is a colourful and surprisingly involving drama that makes time for comment on the strength of women and a sprinkling of humour. Also watch out for the talented cast, in particular a never better Jennifer Lopez.

It’s 2007 in New York, Dorothy(Constance Wu) is a young woman trying to make ends meet and help care for her ailing Grandmother. She’s working at a strip club, but not at all succeeding at making substantial money. Then she glimpses Ramona Vega( Jennifer Lopez), who is the resident queen bee that entices all with her sexy moves and charms. The two get talking and Ramona takes the inexperienced Dorothy under her wing and teaches her a thing or two. Dorothy soon goes by the name Destiny in the club and with Ramona’s guidance, starts to succeed. There’s a certain level of sisterhood between them that grows. Then the 2008 financial crash hits and things go south. Destiny discovers she’s pregnant and with business at the club running low and her boyfriend leaving her, she’s pretty desperate. The stripping business is not what it was and after meeting with Ramona( who she hasn’t seen in a long time), a plan begins to form. They will, along with other strippers that they know, make themselves available to men who are typically brokers or CEO’s on Wall Street , drug them and max out their credit cards. Although extremely dangerous, both women dive headfirst into this scam. Joining them are newbie strippers Mercedes and Annabelle( Keke Palmer and Lili Reinhart) who prove equally as adept at it. As the money rolls in things look good for the ladies, but soon greed begins to set in and events spin out of control for the merry band of women.

Lorene Scafaria is clearly a director who knows her craft and how to make a movie that entertains as well as invest you with its characters. Writing the script as well, she doesn’t condemn or condone what the women do and doesn’t exploit them endlessly in leering fashion either. Instead, Hustlers finds its footing presenting them as women pushed too far and hustling to survive in a cruel world that doesn’t reward the honest. Morality is a slippery slope after all and Hustlers presents that in fantastic fashion. In terms of highlights, watch out for Ramona’s sultry and commanding entrance which lets you know everything you need to about her without dialogue; it’s a standout sequence thats the definition of memorable. Scafaria references the work of the masterful Martin Scorsese in terms of bright visuals, montage and themes, with the good, flashy life of money and power slipping into chaos as things turn sour. places you right inside this world that the ladies are part of and pulls pulls you into their stories and reasons for taking part in a hustle. The world that they populate is best summed up by Ramona; who groups customers into ranks of how devious they are and how much money each is worth. Ramona is a pro at surveying people and a lot of the information we learn is through Destiny reiterating the words of this charismatic mentor. The framing device of Destiny/Dorothy revealing the details of the scams to a journalist played by Julia Stiles, who will write about it in the present, is cleverly employed and never too intrusive as to take us out of the film. A bit of repetition at the midway point can be pardoned for how the overall package is slick, thrilling and surprisingly evocative of the struggles women face and what happens when they take dangerous action. Mark my words, Lorene Scafaria is a director to watch out for in the future. While very much a drama, a liberal helping of humour abounds in Hustlers and is most welcome. Of particular note is the whip smart writing that allows for commentary on women taking control after being objectified and believably creating a camaraderie among the crew that feels very authentic. A killer soundtrack with some unexpected but fitting songs is a significant part of greatness in Hustlers and helps excel the narrative as it twists and turns.

Constance Wu heads the cast and is marvellous. Her curious face is our guide into Hustlers as she goes from downtrodden, vulnerable girl to successful woman, yet still retains a questioning backbone over her actions. She’s the audience surrogate but that is by no means a bad thing at all as Wu is simply stunning with both the humour and the drama. You truly feel for her too because of how convincing Wu is. What you’ve heard about Jennifer Lopez and her work in Hustlers is all true. Fierce, beguiling, bewitching and ruthless( but not without humility or compassion), Jennifer Lopez turns in career best work that reminds us what an actress she can be. Too often in the movies, she’s been in material that doesn’t show off her range( save for Selena and Out of Sight). Thankfully that’s been rewritten in Hustlers; she’s truly allowed to let her charisma and presence shine with alacrity, along with nuance and physicality. Trust me, Lopez is at the top of her game here and is worth every ounce of acclaim. She’s the main showstopper here and don’t forget it. Keke Palmer and Lili Reinhart both contribute plenty of energy and humour as the new girls on the block; both are given time to shine and develop their characters with humour and life. We have Julia Stiles as the journalist listening to the outrageous and audacious story and she displays a great amount of vacillating from feeling enthralled to being shocked at what she hears. She’s another pair of outsider eyes and ears in Hustlers and an effective pair too. Cameos from Cardi B and Lizzo are fun whenever they are present. I very much enjoyed the small but memorable role of Mercedes Ruehl. I found she injected great warmth and wisdom into her mother of the den part and I was entertained by her appearance here.

Stylish, highly entertaining but also insightful and filled with an array of talented actresses and director, Hustlers is one excellent and very surprising movie.

What Is Your Favourite Keira Knightley Performance?

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Favourite Performance, Keira Knightley

It’s been a while since my last post of this nature and I wanted to resurrect it again. So I’m now asking which performance by the excellent Keira Knightley performance? With her maturity, splendidly high cheekbones and well spoken voice, Knightley has been on our screens for what feels like forever. And she’s still really young and clearly has decades worth of performances to give. Often seen as a period drama queen, I believe Keira Knightley can easily be wonderful in contemporary fare. I mean she’s sensational in period dramas but I believe it can cloud the rest of her catalogue. So which performance by this lovely actress is your favourite?

The Handmaid’s Tale Season 3

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2010's, Alexis Bledel, Amanda Brugel, Ann Dowd, Bradley Whitford, Christopher Meloni, Elisabeth Moss, Joseph Fiennes, Madeline Brewer, Max Minghella, O.T. Fagbenle, Samira Wiley, The Handmaid's Tale, The Handmaid’s Tale Season 3, Yvonne Strahovski

Revolution is in the air and while still a dark show, Season 3 of The Handmaid’s Tale boasts a lot more hope than ever before. And this is for the best in a show that is certainly not the easiest watch, but rewarding in terms of acting and story. Be warned, spoilers may follow.

We pick up where Season 2 left off, with June(Elisabeth Moss) having given her newborn daughter to an escaping Emily( Alexis Bledel). She has decided to stay in Gilead to save her other daughter Hannah, who was cruelly taken from her years before. Plus, she’s still got an axe to grind with the horrifying regime that governs what was once America. She briefly returns to the house of slimy Commander Waterford( Joseph Fiennes)and his wife Serena Joy(Yvonne Strahovski), who was the one who handed the baby over to her in the hope that the baby will get a better life in Canada. Serena is starting to chafe at the system and in retaliation burns down her house, possibly setting the stage for her switch of allegiance. She’s in deep morning for her ‘child’ which could easily make her return to her normal cruel self though. June is sent to the home of Commander Lawrence(Bradley Whitford), who helped engineer Emily’s escape but whose true purpose and sense of trust are questionable. June however has her eyes set on rebellion and though some of her actions are questionable, she’s mainly playing the game in order to survive. She attempts to get Serena on side and persuade Fred to let her have a bit more power than women in Gilead have. But can either be trusted? Can Aunt Lydia( Ann Dowd) who begrudgingly seems to admire June’s opposition, be of any help? And can with an ongoing political struggle in sight can June ensure the safety of both her daughters? Plus, a visit from high powered and nasty Commander Winslow(Christopher Meloni) sets the scene for more shocks and horror as she exerts power and Fred craves it. June is somehow caught in the middle that leads to desperate circumstances. Meanwhile, Emily makes it to Canada with the baby and finds Luke( O. T. Fagbenle) and Moira( Samira Wiley), who offer support. Though things get difficult as Luke is having to raise another man’s child and still terrified about whether he’ll see his wife again. Emily is also struggling when she reunited with her wife and son as it’s been so long and they’ve been a part for what seems like eternity. This coincides with June becoming even more reckless and at times selfish, though she’s brought to her senses once more, thanks to Janine( Madeline Brewer) and the other Handmaid’s. This is where she really ramps up her campaign of striking back.

While continuing the story set up in the first two seasons, Season 3 of The Handmaid’s Take feels like something a bit different while still including the DNA that made the show connect with so many in this topical time. Some fans took issue with June’s last minute decision to stay in Gilead and not run to escape. While I can understand the gripes and though it was a surprise, on reflection it made a lot of sense. The thought of Hannah was what kept June going through her hellish ordeal of institutionalised rape and servitude that was punishable by death if not obeyed. I never believed June would just abandon her as she has been so key to the show and June’s voyage to rebellion. And the spirit of rebellion is shot through this season that still retains the starkness and darkness of what we’re used to, but embeds it with a feeling of underlying optimism that it has only hinted at in previous ventures. Don’t be fooled, this show still has its share of brutality, violence and horror and on those levels it delivers. I just couldn’t help but notice the building feeling of something good about to happen and action about to be taken. It’s a slow burner for certain but I like that about this season. It’s dialled back on some of the overriding gloom that perpetuated the first two seasons but not completely forgotten it. Everything is in the deliberate pace that convincingly lays the building bricks of revolution and how it’s going to occur from the inside. Some may find it slow going( there are some spots where a shot of quickness might have worked), but overall the burning feeling and realisation that revolution is nearing is impressively depicted.

The standout episodes are as follows. In ‘Unknown Caller’, the fallout begins when it’s discovered that Luke has Nichole and June is forced to identify her husband. We get June making an emotional phone call under duress to Luke, Serena seeing Nichole one last time and then falling prey to the manipulations of her husband and finally June’s glare to the camera when she realises she’s been stabbed in the back. It’s a rollercoaster of an episode that grips with how it unravels and the surprises of motivations and actions displayed. Following that is the topical ‘Household’ which deals with subjects of children’s rights, political agendas and the nature of possession. Secrets are also unearthed as June travels to Washington D.C.( which has been made over into a dictatorship) and discovers that lover Nick(Max Minghella) was not the man she thought he was and that he can’t help her in her hour of need . Plus, we are shown the horrifying extremes of Gilead as all the Handmaid’s are silenced by three piercings that keep their lips closed. It’s an often unexpected episode backed up by arresting cinematography, amazing set design that captures a world gone mad and excellent storytelling. Plus, in ‘Unfit’, we finally get some backstory on Aunt Lydia before the rise of Gilead. I’ve been waiting to discover the woman behind the brutality and it delivers. She was once a teacher who was dedicated to her young students and wanted the best. She befriended a young wayward woman whose son she taught and tried to help. After taking her advice and trying to seduce the principal, she was left mortified when he rejected her. I think her breaking point was the fact that in her mind she violated her religious beliefs and gave in to temptation. In retaliation and feeling embarrassed, Lydia phoned the social services on the young mother and the child was taken away.

A haunting hour is found in ‘Heroic’ which has June confined to a hospital as punishment for her treatment of a fellow Handmaid who now lies in a coma . The atmosphere is comparable with Kubrick in terms of how clinical and psychological everything looks and feels. It crucially brings June back to her usual self after she lost her way and became selfish and cruel. It’s an undoubtedly disturbing watch but one that starts the wheels of change again after she was at the point of near collapse. And the last few episodes are nothing short of exhilarating as plans are finally put into action and the tension rises. Though the first half of the season is the slow build, the last half is everything getting going and strike back beginning that will change everything. Pay particular attention to the finale ‘Mayday’ which is hands down one of the best episodes of the entire show. Though a show that is tough going, The Handmaid’s Take is gorgeously shot with dark hues but a more prominent brightness than before to reflect the burgeoning fire within June and the others who will help her. The trademark use of shallow focus especially when focusing on June and birds eye view shots of the Handmaid’s in ranks are stellar and cinematic in execution. Fine and often ironic song choices and a chillingly electronic score compliment the aura of eeriness and evinced hope.

Elisabeth Moss continues to excel as our main character. Those eyes and that face once more work miracles with the slightest of movements. She is a masterclass in emotion and revealing how June is both flawed(sometimes dangerously so and close to cracking) and driven by everything she’s experienced. It’s a layered performance that just keeps impressing upon every episode as we watch seething rage, hope, trepidation, questionable choices and bravery commingle . And it’s all down to the dedication with which Moss plays June that we are so enthralled by her presence. Yvonne Strahovski continues to vacillate between sympathetic victim and desperate yet icy madam. She straggles the two considerably and displays that Serena could both be an ally or an enemy to June and her mission. I liked seeing Strahovski expand on Serena and watching her both fight against and embrace Gilead. Complimenting her is the on form Joseph Fiennes who knows how to play a nasty piece of work. Commander Waterford is one of those characters who is completely up themselves so it’s nice to see him start squirming and becoming a little subservient to those higher than him. And watching Fiennes show the emotion of his power slipping away is more than a tad satisfying.

Anne Dowd is once more knocking it out the park as Aunt Lydia, who is explored with depth. The dichotomy of kindness and viciousness is sublimely acted and we never quite know which incarnation we will get. Kudos to Ann Dowd for her complex portrayal of someone following shocking orders and thinking they are doing the right thing in their own warped mind. In Canada, the series regulars are just as impressive, even if they are seen less than the Gilead counterparts. Standing out is Alexis Bledel as the now free Emily, whose adjusting t her new life with a mix of relief and trepidation. You feel immense sympathy for her as she’s now escaped but still has a certain cage in her mind from everything she’s been through. Bledel sells these varying feelings with sincerity and conviction. And although they aren’t as prominent as before, O. T. Fagbenle and Samira Wiley give personality and heart to survivors of the regime, building some form of normality for themselves. By far one of the most interesting characters is Commander Lawrence as he’s pretty inscrutable and Bradley Whitford is a masterful actor taking delight in exploring the contradictions of the part. One moment he’s helpful and rebellious, the next he’s shut off and cruel and that’s what is so fascinating as he could either be ally or enemy. Christopher Meloni brings considerable strength and sliminess as a high powered Commander. There’s something in the way he speaks and moves that immediately intimidating and nasty; Meloni is obviously enjoying being really able to explore a most vile character in detail. She’s been in the background and occasionally been popping into something substantial, but here Amanda Brugel is given more to do as the Martha Rita. Her quiet dignity and immense strength in playing the game that Gilead has started is admirable and I loved seeing her come into her own. Madeline Brewer is again impressive as the vulnerable Janine, who seems to be everyone’s punching bag of late but who still finds a way to muddle through the pain. The main person who isn’t given a lot to do is Max Minghella, who appears in the first half of the season and is then missing. We do learn something interesting about Nick as a character, but I’d like it if he’d been in it a bit more. This is a minor gripe though in a season that’s incredibly well acted.

A far more hopeful but still bruising and stark season that starts slow and builds to a powerful finish, Season 3 of The Handmaid’s Tale is extremely well acted and thought provoking viewing.

Lizzie

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2010's, Chloë Sevigny, Craig William Macneill, Denis O'Hare, Fiona Shaw, Jamey Sheridan, Kim Dickens, Kristen Stewart, Lizzie, Psychological Drama

Inspired by the real life story of Lizzie Borden, who was accused and then acquitted of the murders of her father and stepmother, Lizzie is a tense psychological drama that puts its own spin on what drives someone to commit murder and it’s own turn on whether or not it believes Lizzie was innocent or guilty.

It is 1892 in Fall River, Massachusetts and Lizzie Borden( Chloë Sevigny) is a woman living under the tyrannical eye of her penny pinching father Andrew( Jamey Sheridan). She’s an independent woman who is different from the subservient kind of lady that was expected at the time and one who in subdued but defiant fashion, scoffs at the system around her. Lizzie also experiences violent seizures, which her father believes is a form of attention seeking. She’s not helped by her stepmother Abby( Fiona Shaw), and her sister is Emma( Kim Dickens) sweet but unable to stand up to. Lizzie is locked in a constant war with her father, with the threat of being sent away to an institution always hanging over her. Into the gloomy household comes the innocent Irish maid Bridget( Kristen Stewart). She’s a bit naive, illiterate and just trying to get along in life with what she’s got. takes a sickening liking to her and starts to visit her room nightly so he can sexually abuse her. Bridget is too terrified of losing her job that she doesn’t tell anyone, but Lizzie finds out. She also discovers that her father has been scheming with her nasty uncle John(Denis O’Hare) something dishonest and underhand about inheritance. Both things infuriate Lizzie and her independence in life and further cause tension with her horrible father. Growing closer to Bridget, the two women form a romantic relationship. It proves to be a solace from the grimness of their lives, but soon discovers it.Soon things reach a head for everyone which results in gruesome death and a trial that involves all.

Craig William Macneill ably directs this film with a keen sense for atmosphere and content. His concentration is largely on the accused Lizzie Borden and her fiery independence in the face of restrictive times that were governed by the patriarchy. His. keeps events very on edge, making the slightest of changes or events matter in the grand scheme of things. Macneill employs an almost unbearable level of tension within the confines of a household; eliciting a claustrophobic aura that transfers to the viewer. Unlike other movies about murders that are still debated and explored, Lizzie takes the side of the allegedly murderous Borden and unravels what might have drove her to commit the crimes she was charged with and then acquitted of. It sets off the dark family angle; all stifled emotions and the overarching tyrant of a father desperate to exert control over the largely female household. Lighting is a key element of Lizzie; either blindingly bright in a beautiful manner(for when Lizzie and Bridget find passionate escape from life) or for the most part shadowy and within the confines of an austere home where emotions struggle to stay under wraps. An up close camera that often lingers on faces and events, while occasionally becoming unrestrained, is employed to capture the burning desire to break free that Lizzie has and how both she and are hemmed in by a society that believes it’s already chosen their destiny. There’s nary a wasted shot in the film and that’s down to the and the cinematography of Noah Greenberg, who are very in sync with what they want from this project. The music, with its high peaks of near horror influenced strings and pulses, keeps things on a knife edge as the day of blood beckons.

Chloë Sevigny is a force of nature as the eponymous Lizzie. She bristles with stoic anger and has an unblinking quality that sets the screen alight. Sevigny has long been an actress I’ve admired and she once more provides compelling viewing with a forceful portrayal of a woman trapped in a time that doesn’t fit and slowly taking devastating action against it. In short, Sevigny is magnetic as Lizzie; discovering a smart woman whose bullied and abused but not above fighting back against it, ultimately in brutal fashion. The ever watchable Kristen Stewart, who for me has matured a lot as an actress over the last few years, is equally as compelling as her eventual lover. There’s a quietness to Stewart here that’s none the less intense and waiting to be unleashed, as her green outlook is changed and she finds strength within herself thanks to Lizzie. Both ladies have a palpable chemistry that provides the centre of the narrative and truly the main respite for these two women. Kudos to both Sevigny and Stewart for creating such a believable bond. Jamey Sheridan is ideally cast as the powerful, grasping and completely wretched father, who seems to delight in exerting his male dominance over others. It’s a credit to Sheridan that you feel the revulsion shared by Lizzie and Bridget for this man, as he’s just that get at getting under your skin as a completely snake and fraud. And Denis O’Hare, who is one of the most underrated actors out there, sinks his teeth into the part of the poisonous uncle with malice in every fibre of his being. Fiona Shaw manages to be both seemingly vindictive and alternately switched on to events around her; with just a look, we know exactly what she’s thinking.Kim Dickens isn’t really given much to work with but is pleasant enough in her small role.

A chilling yet eye opening drama with an emphasis on the psychological and fine acting, Lizzie is a fresh spin on the infamous murders that finds its fascination with events behind the scenes and their devastating impact.

 

Carve Her Name with Pride

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1950's, Based on a true story, Bill Owen, Carve Her Name with Pride, Denise Grey, Jack Warner, Lewis Gilbert, Paul Scofield, Violette Szabo, Virginia McKenna, War, World War II

I was kindly asked by Maddy and Jay to take part in a blogathon surround World War II in film. I chose the film Carve Her Name with Pride to highlight.

Based on the true story of Violette Szabo, an SOE agent in World War II who parachuted behind enemy lines and was eventually captured and executed by the Nazi’s( and then received a posthumous George Cross for her bravery), Carve Her Name with Pride is a well directed tribute to the bravery of this woman in wartime.

Early in the Second World War, spirited Violette Bushell is living in London. Her father is English and her mother is French, which accounts for her language skills. One day she meets French Army officer Etienne Szabo and the two quickly fall in love. After marrying, Violette discovers she’s pregnant, but Etienne is called back up to serve in North Africa. Tragically, Violette receives word that Etienne was killed in battle a few months later. She is devastated by the death of her beloved who never had the chance to see his daughter Tania. After his death, she shuts off as a way to deal with her grief. When she returns to life again, something unexpected lies waiting for her. To her surprise, she is asked to join the SOE to help the war effort. Due to her athleticism and bilingual skills, she’s an ideal candidate. Although apprehensive at first,  Violette accepts out of a sense of duty. She is trained in the art of espionage and though makes mistakes at first, shows her mettle and willingness to learn. Soon enough, she’s one of the finest recruits and ready for a mission. Her first mission in Occupied France is successful as she makes contact with the remaining members of Resistance loyal to the SOE and helps persuade one to blow up an important viaduct. Along the way, she becomes close with fellow agent Tony Fraser and opens up a bit more. It’s her second and last mission mission that proves to be fatal and tragic, though she refuses to give up any information to the enemy right up until her death.

Lewis Gilbert crafts Carve Her Name with Pride with unobtrusive skill and salutes the bravery of this woman and her strength for her country. As a film, it doesn’t over sensationalise events, rather presents them in serious but absorbing detail in a way that’s dignified and convincing. Foreshadowing is heavily present throughout with various lines of dialogue gaining more relevance as Carve Her Name with Pride continues. The first hour provides the build up to the first mission with the main events that lead to Violette joining by showing events in a brisk and economical fashion, without feeling too quick or too slow. Gilbert’s on form is bringing the foreshadowing of what’s to come and truly comes alive once the missions start. We glimpse how dangerous being a spy is and the moral dilemma of Violette in knowing that every minute could be her last . This helps it build to a powerful climax that’s hard to agass from your thoughts. The black and white presents events with a certain realism that’s pretty impressive and never loses sight of the serious dangers involved in spying and Violette’s immense dedication. As we know the eventual fate of the main character, a level of gloom is apparent. But it never overshadows things and makes them constantly miserable, rather it is more inspiring to watch someone do something to help their country in its time of need. An emotive score highlights the ups and downs of War and how events can take sharp turning points for those trying to help.

The ace in the hole is Virginia McKenna as Violette; she’s simply wonderful in the part. Getting across the gumption, selflessness, toughness and vulnerability, McKenna shines with her moving delivery and authentic honesty. It’s hard to picture someone else playing Szabo quite as accomplished as Virginia McKenna does or with the same blend of warmth and determination. She’s simply that good and embodies the British way of doing things in a quiet and dignified manner but making one hell of an impact. Paul Scofield compliments her as the agent who knows when to switch off emotions but still retain some level of heart. He’s nicely paired with McKenna and works splendidly and with ease beside her. Jack Warner and Denise Grey have small but nicely judged parts as the parents of Violette, who become concerned at their daughter’s secrecy. Look out for a small but funny role from Bill Owen as one of the training officers who begrudgingly acknowledges the talent of Violette. The biggest highlight though is Virginia McKenna, who is simply unforgettable.

A sober, extremely well mounted and acted war drama that truly honours its subject thanks to Lewis Gilbert’s nuanced direction and Virginia McKenna’s beautiful performance, Carve Her Name with Pride is an excellent tribute to the strength and sacrifice of one very brave woman.