The Film Junkie

This film is based on Lillian Hellman’s Broadway play about rumours of lesbianism between two teachers at an all-girl’s school. 

Though this film, and the play, were decades ahead of their time, it still ends in the way most lesbian pulp fiction of the era had to end: with death.  Homosexuality was always forced to be seen as a curse or malady that would be cured by death.

Shirley Maclaine is outstanding as Martha, the teacher who has an ‘unnatural’ obsession with her best friend, Karen (Audrey Hepburn).  Karen intends her marry her long-time boyfriend, which causes severe jealousy from Martha.  One troublemaking student (Karen Balkin) accuses the teacher when she becomes frustrated by no one giving her enough attention.  However though Karen is adamant that the idea is entirely false, Martha feels as though her subconscious thoughts are finally being revealed.

This may not be a revolutionary film, but it is refreshing to see a 1960’s film that does not centre around women in bikinis or women frozen in scenes like a perpetual Ziegfield Follies.  These women are smart and capable, they run their own school and they stay loyal to one another no matter what the accusations or realizations about them may be.

Refreshing, if not revolutionary.

Grade: B+

There is something delicious about this comedic thriller co-starring Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn, but there is also something a little bit to sugary sweet for my tastes.

It is the story of Reggie (Hepburn) who discovers that her late husband was not the man she thought he was and takes comfort in the arms of a mysterious stranger (Grant).  As she becomes more and more entangled and confused by the situation she finds that nothing is what it seems and doubts her own instincts.

Grant is great, sexy and charming as ever even though he is almost 60 years young here.  He brings danger and reveals once again that there were few other actors able to juggled comedy and drama as well as he.

Hepburn’s character, on the other hand, is a little too weak-willed for my tastes.  I wish she would figure things out a little bit faster, I am usually ten steps ahead of her when I want to be discovering the truth alongside her.

This is a good, if not great, mystery that had a few twists I did not see coming.  Grant and Hepburn make a great team, despite the 25 year age difference, the sexual tension is palpable and engaging.

Grade: B+