A first-rate cast and story fail to produce a truly first-rate film because of the producers' decision to shoot this intimate tale in CinemaScope. Leigh, the delicate, somewhat nervous wife of solid citizen Williams, a judge of the highest reputation, leaves her husband for the company
of RAF pilot More, an alcoholic tomcat. When Leigh attempts to kill herself, she is saved by Portman, a discredited physician who supports himself as a gambler. Portman lives in Leigh's apartment building, as does Lister, a nosy harridan. Although Williams is willing take back his wife in an
instant, Leigh realizes there has to be something out there that is better than the irresponsibility of More or the boredom of life with Williams. With Portman as her avuncular guide, Leigh comes to understand that she can make a life for herself and does not need a man to be happy.
Leigh's role was originated on the London stage by Peggy Ashcroft, who was bypassed in favor of Leigh for the screen version. However, More repeats the role that brought him much success in the West End production. THE DEEP BLUE SEA didn't do as well at the box office as its makers had hoped it
would, perhaps because it was just a trifle too sedate and heady for filmgoers in a year that featured such films as OKLAHOMA!; TO CATCH A THIEF; and LOVE IS A MANY-SPLENDORED THING. Nichols (who plays Mrs. Elton here) went on to achieve lasting fame in England as the long-suffering wife of Alf
Garnett in the TV series "Till Death Us Do Part," a role that provided the basis for the character of Edith Bunker for American televison's "All in the Family." leave a comment
