Marilyn Monroe campaigned desperately for Grushenka, the part played by Maria Schell in this film, and it's one of those casting tragedies that she didn't get her way. For while Schell is okay, the problem here is similar to Glenn Close in DANGEROUS LIASONS--no sex appeal--and typical of
the film as a whole--lots of steam, but no heat. Richard Brooks directs like a traffic cop, without sweep or dramatic gesture. As a result, the film feels like "Classics Comics" instead of a classic.
Released:
1958
Rated:
NR
Length:
149 mins