Mollie Davies

I found the movie rather corny and sentimental, and very “Hollywood.” A “feel good” movie. Maybe my opinion is colored by the fact I lived through it. It was a miserable time with very few success stories like the heroine in the movie. An unmarried women then suffered a much worse fate. Men ruled, they used their power over women and we are wary still at our status in the country. Some men want us back in the kitchen, barefoot and pregnant. A female President, fingers crossed.

As a movie, I thought the story line was weak, the dialogue was very cliche, but as a prophecy it was right on mark. The trouble is whether people will recognize the prophecy and act on it.

The movie was spoiled by an overbearing musical score, which gave me a headache, and often drowned out the dialogue. The story of a very Victorian marriage, loveless and blighted by sexual repression, was visually beautiful, and the cast above criticism. However, John Ruskin’s character was miserly drawn and with little depth. He must have been a very complicated person. The ending was a relief for both me and Effie.