WILLIAM DIETERLE

Bil’s rating (out of 5):   BBBB. 

USA, 1948.  Vanguard Films, Selznick International Pictures.  Screenplay by Paul Osborn, Peter Berneis, adaptation by Leonardo Bercovici, based on the novel by Robert Nathan.  Cinematography by Joseph H. August.  Produced by David O. Selznick.  Music by Dimitri Tiomkin.  Production Design by J. McMillan Johnson.  Costume Design by Lucinda Ballard.  Film Editing by William Morgan.  

Soapy romance film still feels so rich after so many years. Joseph Cotten is a starving painter who meets a little girl in the park one day. The next time he sees her a few days later she has grown many years and again when he sees her next she has blossomed to full womanhood (played at all stages by Jennifer Jones). He begins to suspect that she is the ghost of a heartbroken woman come back to finally make up for the life she lost in a boating accident many years before. The film is mostly black and white, with some beautifully tinted scenes involving the tragedy by the seashore. A bit corny if you’re not willing to let your defenses down, but in general this is a beautiful film with marvelously heartfelt performances at its centre.

Academy Award:  Best Special Effects
Nomination: Best Cinematography-BW

Venice Film Festival Award: Best Actor (Joseph Cotten)