A thrilling suspense, a beautiful love story and a wonderful child actress
Although I have known about this film for quite some time, I only had the opportunity to watch it recently. I must admit I was very positively surprised. Director J. Lee Thompson offers a masterful piece of suspense thanks to his skillful use of black and white images. The contrast of light shadows on the characters' faces as well as an excellent variation of camera angles translate the tension and emotion of the movie. Even though, the main plot may be about a young girl witnessing the murder of a cheating woman by her angry seaman boyfriend, the real story is, in fact, the relationship that evolves between the young witness (who manages to get hold of the crime weapon) and the almost accidental murderer. Both characters quickly discover a common fate and develop a protective friendship before challenges and events help them engage in an impossible albeit beautiful love story. The chemistry between Horst Buchholz (soon to become a star in The Magnificent Seven) and Hayley Mills is perfect and really gives the needed touch of poignancy to their relationship. In her first on screen apparition, the daughter of Sir John Mills is already stealing the show using a exceptionally wide range of acting skills. It is not difficult to see in her captivating eyes the promise of the future brilliant performances she will offer in Pollyanna, The Parent Trap or Whistle Down The Wind.score 8/10
spletinckx 28 February 2006
Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw1302872/34959
Pages:
[1]