Cast
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Ronald Colman
as Sydney Carton
Elizabeth Allan
as Lucie Manette
Edna May Oliver
as Miss Pross
Reginald Owen
as Stryver
Basil Rathbone
as Marquis St. Evremonde
Blanche Yurka
as Madame De Farge
Henry B. Walthall
as Dr. Manette
Donald Woods
as Charles Darnay
Walter Catlett
as Barsad
Fritz Leiber
as Gaspard
Eily Malyon
as Mrs. Cruncher
Nigel De Brulier
as Aristocrat (uncredited)
William Ripley Dorr
as Background Singers (uncredited)
E. E. Clive
as Judge in 'Old Bailey'
Torben Meyer
as Lackey #1
Crew
Director
- Jack Conway
Producer
- David O. Selznick
Reviews
barrymost
A Tale of Two Cities was the movie that introduced me to the wonderful Ronald Colman. It's one of my all-time favorite movies, and also one of the very, very few that can get me close to tears. That classic, unforgettable ending: "It's a far, far better thing I do than I've ever done. It's a far, far better rest I go to, than I've ever known." It's a beautiful story of love, redemption, and self-sacrifice, from Charles Dickens' timeless novel.
Would I recommend? Yes, without a second thought.
Aug 8, 2019
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, A Tale of Two Cities 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 Jack Conway 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 1935, 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 A Tale of Two Cities took approximately 26 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $1.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 126 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 153 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
- The screenplay went through 8 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1935, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While A Tale of Two Cities 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 Visitor from the Future, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, A Tale of Two Cities offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like 2gether: The Movie and Little Siberia explore similar territory, A Tale of Two Cities 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: December 25, 1935
- Runtime: 2h 6m
- Budget: $1,000,000
Where to Watch
