A STORY OF LOVE… SET AGAINST THE VIOLENCE OF REBELLION.
In 1916, an Irish woman (Sarah Miles) whoās married to a local schoolteacher (Robert Mitchum) falls in love with a British soldier (Christopher Jones) whoās haunted by World War I. One of David Leanās least liked epics was inspired by āMadame Bovaryā and depicts the conflict between Brits and the Irish after the Easter Uprising. The story suffers from being insanely protracted and the love affair never becomes as moving as intended. But cinematographer Freddie Young captures magnificent views, and John Mills and Trevor Howard are good as the āvillage idiotā and the priest.
1970-Britain. 194 min. Color. Widescreen. Directed byĀ David Lean. Screenplay: Robert Bolt. Cinematography: Freddie Young. Music: Maurice Jarre. Cast: Robert Mitchum (Charles Shaughnessy), Trevor Howard (Hugh Collins), Sarah Miles (Rosy Ryan), Christopher Jones (Randolph Doryan), John Mills, Leo McKern.
Trivia: Also released in a 206-min. version. Alec Guinness was allegedly considered for the part of the priest.
Oscars: Best Supporting Actor (Mills), Cinematography. Golden Globe: Best Supporting Actor (Mills).
