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Tuesday, April 25, 2017

A Song At Twilight (1982)

An internationally renowned author and playwright (Paul Scofield) in the autumn of his years agrees to see a former mistress (Deborah Kerr) from over 40 years ago during which time they have never seen each other. Based on the 1966 play by Noel Coward and directed by Cedric Messina. The play was one of Coward's last plays and it was a success on the London stage with Coward as the author and Lilli Palmer as the mistress. While it may lack the playfulness and wit of some of Coward's earlier comedies like PRIVATE LIVES and BLITHE SPIRIT, this one certainly has more depth and even a  touch of poignancy. Essentially a four character piece (June Tobin as the author's wife and Hugo Lidington as a servant are the other two), there's an elegance and levity that is sorely missed in contemporary comedy. It begins with some witty banter before slowly revealing itself to be a strong dose of honesty. Scofield and Kerr, no surprise, bring a wealth of experience to their roles but June Tobin as the German wife who knows more than she lets on provides excellent support.  

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