Delbert Mann directs Rita Hayworth, Deborah Kerr and David Niven in this British drama based on two short Terrence Rattigan plays set around the same Bournemouth hotel.

Cine-fied plays are my least favourite genre but the mega set this is filmed on, and the characters are genteelly trapped within, is an impressive construction. Niven puts in a wonderful shift, Academy Award winning, as the old fraud who has exaggerated his military past and likes an innocent nudge. Hayworth, Burt Lancaster and Wendy Hillier’s love triangle is really quite emotionally mature and tragic. Their story has the best acting, all differing styles. Kerr plays against type and her simpering doormat really grates. She’s the only weak link but one that does hold this compassionate little chamber piece back from classic status. Fantastic ending.

6

Perfect Double Bill: From Here To Eternity (1953)

I write regular features about live comedy for British Comedy Guide here https://www.comedy.co.uk/people/bobby_carroll/features/