Cast
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Gregory Peck
as Fedja
Ava Gardner
as Pauline Ostrovsky
Melvyn Douglas
as Armand De Glasse
Walter Huston
as General Ostrovsky
Ethel Barrymore
as Grandmother Ostrovsky
Frank Morgan
as Aristide Pitard
Agnes Moorehead
as Emma Getzel
Friedrich von Ledebur
as Casino Secretary
Ludwig Donath
as Doctor
Curt Bois
as Jeweler / Money Lender
Ludwig Stössel
as Hotel Manager
Ernö Verebes
as Hotel Valet
Fred Aldrich
as Gambling Casino Patron (uncredited)
James Anderson
as Nervous Young Gambler (uncredited)
John Arnold
as Croupier (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Robert Siodmak
Producer
- Gottfried Reinhardt
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Great Sinner examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Robert Siodmak brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1949, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Great Sinner took approximately 23 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $2.1 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 110 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 147 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1971 individual shots.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
- The musical score contains over 77 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1949, when this film was released:
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Great Sinner shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Piano, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Great Sinner subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Camel Safari and You & Me & Me explore similar territory, The Great Sinner stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: June 29, 1949
- Runtime: 1h 50m
- Budget: $2,075,000
