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Product Description
Based on the classic stage play by J.B. Priestly, An Inspector Calls stars the incomparable Alastair Sim as the inspector of the title. The Birling family are rich, pampered and complacent. It is 1912, and the shadow of the impending war has yet to fall across their lives. As they sit down to dinner one night, celebrating the engagement of the eldest child, Sheila, to prosperous business man Gerald, a knock at the door announces the arrival of a visitor who will change their lives forever. The visitor is a police inspector, who announces he is investigating the suspicious death of a young woman. As he questions each member of the family, years of secrets and lies are revealed, and the family soon find themselves wondering who the mysterious inspector really is – and how he knows so much about them.
Product Description
United Kingdom released, PAL/Region 2 DVD: LANGUAGES: English ( Dolby Digital 2.0 ), SPECIAL FEATURES: Black & White, Interactive Menu, Scene Access, SYNOPSIS: The comfortable complacency of the British Birling family is upset when Inspector Poole (Alastair Sim) comes calling. An impoverished young working girl named Eva Smith (Jane Wenham) has committed suicide, and Poole hopes that the Birlings will help him find out why. As the evening progresses, a series of flashbacks reveal that each member of the Birling family has in some small way been responsible for Eva's demise. A twist ending adds a mystical, thought-provoking touch to the proceedings. Bryan Forbes, who plays the Birling son, matriculated into the noted director of such films as The L-Shaped Room, King Rat and The Whisperers. An Inspector Calls was based on a play by J.B. Priestley, which recently scored a huge hit when it was revived in London and New York. ...An Inspector Calls
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
105 of 110 people found the following review helpful
By Filmbuff
TOP 1000 REVIEWER
Format:DVD
There couldn't have been a better inspector, than the brilliant Alastair Sim and a supporting cast of fine, talented actors, makes the story that much more convincing. The entire film, from start to finish, leaves nothing to the imagination. It is a masterpiece! The upper class family, convinced that they are of a better status than those not so fortunate. Doing what they can to convince themselves that they have done no wrong, yet their consciences are awakened, when the eerie, calm and knowledgeable inspector enters.
The story flows smoothly; first one, then another, then the entire family gathering, are given an insight into their behaviour and attitude towards those less fortunate than themselves. It is a fascinating insight into the debauch behaviour of the "haves", towards the "have nots". As relevant today as it was then!
It says much about us all! An absolute must see; I've been waiting for years for this film to be released!
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
First let me correct a major error in the synopsis. The girl is not murdered but commits suicide, a fact stated in almost the first minute of the film and never in question. But because the ending is itself both surprising and thought provoking I shall say no more about the story.
But I will say that it is no hyperbole to describe this film as one of the best ever made. J. B. Priestley seems to translate rather well onto the screen (were I to be reviewing Last Holiday with Alec Guiness I would be very nearly as complimentary, and certainly awarding 5 stars), and in my judgement the way that the capabilities of film have been used to bring the dead girl to life are an improvement. That said, I must add that some friends who saw the play at the theatre before they saw this film have said that they preferred the stage version. As it happens, I saw the film before I saw the play at the theatre and, for all that the theatrical performance was first rate, I prefer the film.
I don't think that Alastair Sim was capable of making a film that was less than excellent, but, just as with Green for Danger - another quite outstanding 5 star film in my opinion - the role of a police inspector brings out the best in him. The main supporting cast are also excellent: the pompous and unfeeling parents, the sensitive children prepared to learn from their mistakes, and the daughter's shallow fiance. The sound and picture are as good as a film of its age could be.
Summarising, this is a DVD that every film fan should have in his collection.
But I will say that it is no hyperbole to describe this film as one of the best ever made. J. B. Priestley seems to translate rather well onto the screen (were I to be reviewing Last Holiday with Alec Guiness I would be very nearly as complimentary, and certainly awarding 5 stars), and in my judgement the way that the capabilities of film have been used to bring the dead girl to life are an improvement. That said, I must add that some friends who saw the play at the theatre before they saw this film have said that they preferred the stage version. As it happens, I saw the film before I saw the play at the theatre and, for all that the theatrical performance was first rate, I prefer the film.
I don't think that Alastair Sim was capable of making a film that was less than excellent, but, just as with Green for Danger - another quite outstanding 5 star film in my opinion - the role of a police inspector brings out the best in him. The main supporting cast are also excellent: the pompous and unfeeling parents, the sensitive children prepared to learn from their mistakes, and the daughter's shallow fiance. The sound and picture are as good as a film of its age could be.
Summarising, this is a DVD that every film fan should have in his collection.
54 of 58 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:DVD
Just a quick note if you are buying this to show to your GCSE pupils and you haven't seen it since your school days: the DVD is excellent quality even on a large screen. The Inspector is great and it's good to show the pupils the costumes and setting. It's not entirely faithful to the script though: for a start we have flashbacks showing Eva / Daisy which I think take away some of the mystery (and on a personal level, any sympathy for the character!). And why oh why oh why do they change the Inspector's name to Poole?!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
dvd
It is so nice to sit down and watch a lovely old film, and love watching Alistair Sim thankyou so much
Published 7 days ago by Nannyhelen
4.0 out of 5 stars
dvd
a bit of an old fashioned film, but helps with understanding for G.C.S.E. exam in the summer. good to see along with reading the book
Published 11 days ago by katherine
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Film
This is an old film but very good. I really enjoyed it, some of the old films are the best
Published 21 days ago by s.a.
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Classic film of this brilliant play.
An Inspector Calls, J.B. Priestley's seminal moral and Socialist play of 1944, is brilliantly brought to life in this black and white 1954 adaptation by director Guy Hamilton. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Mrs. Jane Hawkes
3.0 out of 5 stars
Alastair Sim Calls
Very good quality film with good acting all around. particularly by Sim as the inspector, a role he excelled in. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Mandog
5.0 out of 5 stars
An Inspector Calls
A good watch if you like older films anyway.
Purchased mainly because of English GCSE for my son so good educational tool particularly if you put subtitles on apparently your... Read more
Purchased mainly because of English GCSE for my son so good educational tool particularly if you put subtitles on apparently your... Read more
Published 2 months ago by regular Amazon user
5.0 out of 5 stars
Twist and Turn
Fine cast and production, a stellar presentation of a really good book, only the DVD box is an open and shut case in this instance.
Published 2 months ago by The Grinch
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great for revision
Very useful for GCSE revision and a reminder of the plot. Quite creepy and very atmospheric. Arrived on time and in good condition.
Published 2 months ago by Dr Joan Denton-Thompson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Essential for understanding the play for students
A great adjuvant to the text for students about to take their GCSE. Should be available as a matter of course in the English Departments of all schools but is totally neglected.
Published 2 months ago by Mark Patterson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Intriguing mystery
This tale works on many levels with themes such as responsibility in relation to age and class. The supernatural elements are riveting.
Published 6 months ago by EdwardE
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