Monday 7 March 2011

Catch The Whales of August today on TCM

TCM, 1.10pm & 5.00am, Monday 7 March (Sky 317, Virgin 415)

This is a little gem about two elderly sisters living on an island off the coast of New England. Not only was director Lindsay Anderson to be congratulated on making one of his finest films, but also in achieving the almost impossible in getting legends Lillian Gish and Bette Davis to play the sisters.
Gish edges out her rival with her intuitive warmth, but that isn't to say Davis doesn't have some striking, subtle and emotive moments. Also good are Ann Sothern, as the sister's old friend and Vincent Price as the Russian emigré who tries to batten on to the sisters before confessing that 'I have spent my life visiting friends'.
Full of poignant moments, the film has an ending that is certain to have you on the verge of tears. Gish is simply a marvel, Davis as cantankerously indomitable as ever. Together, they carve out a memorable movie memorial in roles for once worthy of their own greatness. (Review, courtesy of TV Times)

For more information and audio clips, see my Whales of August page (The Sound of Vincent Price)

No comments: