The Man In Grey (1943)
Caravan (1946)
Black Narcissus (1947)
Brief Encounter (1945)
Chu Chin Chow (1934) ///
The Man In Grey (1943) The film that initiated the glorious cycle of Gainsborough melodramas and secured stardom for Lockwood, Mason, Calvert and Granger. Though sometimes muddily plotted, the seductive atmosphere more than compensates and the approach is uncompromising.
Caravan (1946) Existing in a fevered, dream state, any sense of reality quickly discarded as Stewart Granger is torn between wild Jean Kent and demure Anne Crawford. Occasionally slipping into self-parody, more a series of increasingly frenzied sequences than cohesive narrative.
Black Narcissus (1947) Ravishing photography and design create a sultry, intoxicating atmosphere, as a group of nuns become unhinged in remote Himalayan mountains. Rich and sensual, past ghosts and future desires build a feverish intensity, in a glorious dream-like melodrama.
Brief Encounter (1945) Noel Coward and David Lean's aching love story combines literate writing, strong performances and mesmerizing style. Despite the sense of inherent parody, the 'flames of passion' embodied by Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard maintain a perennial truth.
Chu Chin Chow (1934) Admirably produced with sure sense of visual melodrama and playful design, as well as tuneful music and bouts of violence, arch performances and songs are test of more personal tastes. Extravagant sequences if not quite Arabian Nights magic.
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