Gone to Earth *** (1950, Jennifer Jones, David Farrar, Cyril Cusack) – Classic Movie Review 5504

Writer-producer-directors Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger’s 19th-century saga stars Jennifer Jones as Hazel Woodus, an untamed, superstitious Shropshire gypsy lass who is stirred by a lusty, lonely fox-hunting squire called Jack Reddin (David Farrar) but marries a pastor, clergyman Edward Marston (Cyril Cusack). Jack still hotly desires Hazel even after she is married.

Powell and Emeric Pressburger’s 1950 film is a visually stunning and emotionally satisfying version of Mary Webb’s bodice-ripping novel. Christopher Challis’s Technicolor cinematography is gorgeous and there is a lovely production, designed by Hein Heckroth.

However, the casting of Jones and the melodramatic clichés take a little getting used to. It runs 110 minutes, but Joseph Cotten narrates in the 82 minutes American version only.

Also in the cast are Esmond Knight, Sybil Thorndike, Edward Chapman, Hugh Griffith, George Cole, Beatrice Varley, Frances Clare, Raymond Rollett, Gerald Lawson, Bartlett Mullins, Arthur Reynolds, Ann Tetharadge, Peter Dunlop, Louis Phillip, Valentine Dunn and Richmond Nairne.

Brian Easdale won the International Award for Best Score at the Venice Film Festival 1950 and the film was nominated for the Golden Lion.

Gone to Earth is the huntsmen’s cry when they can’t catch the fox.

© Derek Winnert 2017 Classic Movie Review 5504

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