Cast
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Bonar Colleano
as Bob Mitchell
Barbara Kelly
as Lesley
Anne Vernon
as Jeannine Meunier
Eva Bartok
as Kathaline Telek
Gina Lollobrigida
as Maria Severini
Karin Himboldt
as Charlotte Smith (as Karin Himbold)
Marcello Mastroianni
as Aldo Mazzetti
Lily Kann
as Charlady
Danny Green
as Levinsky
Carl Jaffe
as Charlotte's Brother
MacDonald Parke
as New York Magazine Editor (as Macdonald Parke)
Aletha Orr
as Matron
Geoffrey Sumner
as Wingco
Philip Leaver
as Italian Official
Annette Poivre
as Annette
Crew
Director
- Romolo Marcellini
- Emil E. Reinert
- Wolfgang Staudte
- Montgomery Tully
- Géza von Cziffra
- Irma von Cube
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, A Tale of Five 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 Romolo Marcellini 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 1951, 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 Five Cities took approximately 27 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 86 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 146 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 8 months to complete.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The costume department created over 245 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1951, when this film was released:
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- 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 Five 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 Gothika, which focuses more on action than character development, A Tale of Five Cities offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Like a Glove and Shattered explore similar territory, A Tale of Five Cities stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: March 1, 1951
- Runtime: 1h 26m
