Cast
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Ann Todd
as Madeleine Hamilton Smith
Norman Wooland
as William Minnoch
Ivan Desny
as Emile L'Angelier
Leslie Banks
as James Smith
Elizabeth Sellars
as Christina Haggott
André Morell
as Defense Attorney
Barbara Everest
as Mrs. Smith
Susan Stranks
as Janet Smith
Patricia Raine
as Bessie Smith
Eugene Deckers
as Thuau
Barry Jones
as Prosecuting Attorney
Jean Cadell
as Mrs. Jenkins
Irene Browne
as Mrs. Grant
Kynaston Reeves
as Dr. Penny
John Laurie
as Scots Divine
Crew
Director
- David Lean
Writer
- Stanley Haynes
- Nicholas Phipps
Producer
- Stanley Haynes
Reviews
CinemaSerf
Ann Todd becomes better as she plays herself into the character of a rather devious and unscrupulous girl in this adaptation of a famous Glasgow murder (or, perhaps that should be murrrrdurrrr) tale from 1857. "Madeleine" is the daughter in a well-to-do family whose father (a seriously authoritarian Leslie Banks) can't quite figure out why she won't marry a suitable young man - unawares that she has been having a fling with an equally unscrupulous Frenchman who has his sights set on her family's wealth. His attempts at blackmail terminally backfire and before long she is on trial for his killing. The subsequent courtroom drama features strong performances from Barry Jones and André Morell as the barristers and this helps lift this rather slow-moving drama along to quite a gripping denouement (an unique peculiarity of the Scottish legal system). Maybe not David Lean's best or most notable work, but you can see his hallmark style all over this. (PS: keep an ear out for a wonderfully presbyterian performance from John Laurie - you will recognise his voice long before he comes into shot).
Dec 28, 2022
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Madeleine 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 David Lean 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 1950, 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 Madeleine took approximately 4 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 114 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 149 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1713 individual shots.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 8 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1950, when this film was released:
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Madeleine 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 Omen, which focuses more on action than character development, Madeleine subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Se7en and Judgment at Nuremberg explore similar territory, Madeleine 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: February 16, 1950
- Runtime: 1h 54m
Where to Watch
