Search - These Foolish Things on DVD

Gerald R. from RACINE, WI
Reviewed on 3/28/2011...

The production values of this DVD are first class. The story captures the pre-War mileau, (WWII) particularly among the theater set. The story line is the tried and true love triangle. The butler steals the show. Perhaps it was the editing which limited the appeal of the main storyline. Anyway, as a costume drama this is worth watching.

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Pre-WWII Potboiler

Donegal Dan | Southwest United States | 01/05/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The plot of this movie is a simple and familiar one: young aspiring and naive actress struggles to make it in the bigtime theatrical world, meets young, aspiring playwright and young, successful director, both of whom fall for her and complicate her life and theirs. There are a spate of lesser characters floating around--snobby socialites, former divas, etc. played by several "name" actors who either overact (Angelica Houston) or sleepwalk through their parts (Lauren Bacall). The exception to that rule is Terrence Stamp, who plays a butler/chauffeur/fixer and who, as far as I'm concerned, stole the show with his low-key, sardonic portrayal of probably the most intelligent and interesting character of the lot. The build-up to World War II provides a rather attenuated background to the love triangle and machinations that form the main storyline. I cannot say that this saga was all that riveting--a good Catherine Cookson drama would be preferable, more involving, and considerably more substantive."

One of my favorite films!

LuminaryUprise | 09/15/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I decided to order this film because of its leading lady - Zoe Tapper - who I'd just seen in the British ITV show Demons alongside the wonderful Philip Glenister. I was impressed with her preformance and wanted to see more of her work.



This is set in pre-World War II England, literally right before the war begins. The main character, Diana, is the daughter of a famed stage star who wants to follow in her mother's footsteps, but must first live a life as a "starving hopeful" to support herself.

She then finds herself tangled in a love triangle with a passionate playwright and his best friend, a director.



It has literally become one of my favorite films of all time - I strongly recommend it.



Also, it is based on the novel There's a Porpoise Close Behind Us by Noel Langley - famed for writing the screenplay of the Wizard of Oz."

A WWII Period Drama.

C. Alford | Illinios | 03/22/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A nice period drama about a girl and the two men who desire her. She finds herself having to choose between them. You will be surprised at her choice."