Famous actress meets wealthy diplomat. Object: Matrimony

chowse1

Fifty years later it's hard to remember that this was the film that returned Ingrid Bergman to the grace and favour of the world. Following what was then a "scandalous" affair with Roberto Rossellini, it took the star power of Cary Grant to re-introduce her to studios and fans. Moreover, he intentionally fought for her as his co-star when she was effectively black listed. We should be grateful he won.

The genre of "drawing room comedy" has sadly passed but we are fortunate to have this example as to why it succeeded for centuries. If not the funniest film ever made it is consistently amusing and witty. This is a play that is assisted by the stars but has stature on it's own in the dialogue. Unlike American "Sitcoms" there are no set ups for a joke or a guffaw but it flows down a consistently diverting path with no pauses for commercials or to try and explain itself. The plot about a famous actress who meets a charming diplomat and falls in love isn't much you need worry about. From the opening credits it's clear what the ending will be, it's how they get to the end that holds our attention. Bergman and Grant are both superlative actors who in the process of seeming not to really act turn in wonderful performances. What they say has the feel of reality when the actuality is that it's been thoughtfully constructed. The often quoted line, "How dare he make love to me and not be a married man", sums up every one's attitude to a rather casual acceptance of a situation as it is. There's no simpering about matters sexual, but, happily, we're spared the deed done. (If you watch closely there's an artfully directed exchange between the two characters in bed whilst separated by the English Channel. It worked then and, some years later, for Doris Day and Rock Hudson in a split screen with them both in bathtubs.)

Director Stanley Donen uses London as a character and does not try and improve on it by having studio constructed interiors when the real things are at hand. And who knew Cary Grant could do an energetic Highland Fling? At base, only six people appear-there are a very few very minor characters-who take full advantage of a droll script and play it as if they were telling the audience, in flash back, of an event that has just finished. It's a wonderful, delicious story and you're glad to hear it particularly as it's so well told. Attractive people doing attractive things in attractive places is a good basis. That they can talk about what they're doing in diverting ways makes INDISCREET a necessary lesson in love, charm and confusion.

score 9/10

chowse1 15 August 2008

Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw1930132/