Sun Also Rises [DVD] [1957] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]

This thoughtful, slow-moving account of expatriates in Parisian 1920's, at 129 minutes, perhaps does require some stamina, but Ernest Hemingway's troubled characters are played by some top drawer names of the time including, Tyrone Power, Ava Gardner, Mel Ferrer and Errol Flynn, in a film-stealing performance. This was to be the last of Flynn's notable performances; one that mirrored the star in reality. Overall, this 1957 classic does boast beautiful colour, stunning scenery and an appropriately prominent musical score by Hugo Friedhofer. A worthwhile presentaton.

This film was poorly received on its initial release due to its slow pace, and the fact that all the actors were older than the characters they were playing from the book. Although both observations are undeniably true, they are relatively unimportant given the overall effect of the picture. Tyrone Power, Errol Flynn, Eddie Albert and even the ravishingly beautiful Ava Gardner were definitely past their prime. In the case of Flynn and Gardner, life in the fast lane was taking a toll. But in a way this made them ideally qualified for their roles, thus mirroring their own self destructive tendencies in portraying the 'Lost Generation', being the hedonistic expatriate American survivors of World War One in Paris and Spain. Flynn simply gets to ape his own image as a womanising drunk, whilst Gardner plays the promiscuous divorcee Lady Brett Ashley. Gardner, who was known to have a liking for bullfighters, even gets to have a dalliance with one in this film.

The film is adapted from Ernest Hemingway's famous novel of the same name, and in so far as Hollywood goes it is a fairly faithful adaption. The story centres around the relationship between Power and Gardner which is a doomed one for reasons that soon become apparent. We follow a tormented Power as he watches Gardner's calamitous affairs with increasing contempt. Gardner and her followers travel to Pamplona in Spain to watch the famous bull run, and whilst enjoying the fiesta passions begin to run very high indeed. For those with an aversion to bullfighting, be warned there are a few scenes showing this, although it is very mild. The film is beautifully shot on location in Spain and France, with scenes taken from what looked to be the bull run itself in Pamplona. The feel of period is beautifully evoked in the crowd scenes that could almost be taken for newsreel footage. The acting is memorable with a swaggering Flynn easily stealing the honours as himself. Eddie Albert gives him good light hearted support as the two lurch drunkenly amongst the bulls. Power gives off the necessary gravitas and world weary disdain his role required, whilst Gardner who was surely the most beautiful woman of her generation, is perfectly cast as the object of all mens desire.

The title is an observation on lifes continuing cyclic journey. Whilst the sun goes down on one generation it rises for another. I was born in 1957 when this film was made. Power and Flynn were to die not long after this film was made. I guess I was the next generation in line, and shortly it will be the turn of another. A nice cheery thought! I liked the quiet pace of this film the first time I saw it a long time ago, and nothing has changed. The cinematography and the films moments of good humour have not dated. These were legendary stars who knew how to command the screen, and the camera loved them. The director Henry King did not let all those egos get out of control, and the literate script is by the highly acclaimed Peter Viertel. The film certainly has its faults but it is still well worth watching if you have not already caught it.

Yes, the transfer is very good. Yes, Errol Flynn steals the show. Yes, the locations are very good. True to the book? Not exactly. My advice :- Read the book before watching this film.