Under Capricorn (1949)

In early 19th century Australia, the new governor (Cecil Parker) arrives bringing with him his ne'er do well cousin (Michael Wilding). The cousin becomes involved with the unstable wife (Ingrid Bergman) of a former convict (Joseph Cotten), now a prosperous businessman. Something is very wrong in their mysterious household and the cousin will soon find himself at the very core of it. Based on the novel by Helen Simpson and directed by Alfred Hitchcock. This period costume melodrama is an atypical film for Hitchcock. Not much suspense and lots and lots of chatter. Assuredly second tier Hitchcock but still, it's far better than its reputation suggests (even Hitch disliked the film). Bergman and Cotten are very good but the acting honors go to Margaret Leighton as a malevolent housekeeper (not unlike REBECCA's Mrs. Danvers). Unfortunately, we're saddled with that dullard of an actor Michael Wilding in a role that really needs an actor able to hold our attention. Remarkably, Hitchcock would use him again the following year in STAGE FRIGHT! Similar to the previous year's ROPE, Hitchcock uses long takes with minimal cutting away. An uneven, often tedious film but not without its virtues. With Denis O'Dea and Jack Watling.