Consummate actor Ronald Colman won both an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for his gripping performance in this film. Colman stars as stage actor Anthony "Tony" John, a man who so absorbs himself in his roles that he becomes his own victim.

John is one half of an acclaimed stage acting team. His ex-wife Brita (Signe Hasso) is the other half. The two have had a string of successes onstage but were not as fortunate in their marriage. Even though Brita still loves "Tony", she finds it impossible to live with him because of his volatile personality. Early in the film, Brita jokingly remarks that their relationship would be perfect if he continued to act in comedies because of the positive effect on his personality. Still, she supports him as best she can and usually accedes to his choices for their careers. Signe Hasso is excellent as Brita, a woman who helplessly watches as the man she loves is destroyed by forces beyond his control. Though she knows his destruction might cause her own, she is unable to turn from him.

As the pair end a long run in a stage comedy, she plans to attend a cast party. Brita urges Tony to go with her but he seems preoccupied, saying that he will join her later. What she does not know is that Tony is already considering his next role. He has been offered the lead in a production of Othello with her as Desdemona. After Brita leaves for the party, Tony pores over a script for the play, finally deciding to take the role. A slow transformation begins as studies the lines, preparing to become "the Moor".

As Othello begins its run, Tony's absorption in his character becomes more and more intense. He does not seem to know where reality begins and acting ends. Brita has witnessed this before with Tony but soon realizes that this time his obsession with being "in character" is more serious. When the play opens, Tony receives great acclaim for his performances, which seem to become more and more realistic as time goes on. Brita slowly realizes a horrifying truth as she comes closer to suffering Desdemona's fate. Even though Tony almost murders Brita many times, she lacks the strength to put an end to the situation.

A very young Shelley Winters has the role of Pat Kroll, a naive yet promiscuous waitress who is tragically drawn into Tony's life. Winters gives a strong, albeit brief, performance.

George Cukor was nominated for an Academy Award for his direction of this often-overlooked film. Also receiving an Academy nomination were the writing team of Ruth Gordon and Garson Kanin for the screenplay.

Even with the magnificent talent on all fronts in this film, it is Ronald Colman who shines above all. His unforgettable voice and mesmerizing acting style make the film a classic. Though Laurence Olivier was first chosen to play the lead in this film, it is hard to imagine even the legendary Olivier giving a better performance.

The story becomes fairly predictable early on, mostly due to familiarity with Shakespeare's play. Even so, Colman manages to make A Double Life an unforgettable dramatic experience.


Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: VHS