Charles Dickens' most famous story is "A Christmas Carol", with probably "Oliver Twist", "David Copperfield", and "Great Expectations" closest behind. Yet another gem from the popular nineteenth century English author is "A Tale of Two Cities".

The story takes place during the French revolution. It makes the ironical suggestion that the early oppression of the peasants is exceeded only by the later oppression by the peasants themselves. It should also be noted that while the principal villains are French, the heroes are either native or naturalized Englishmen. The extremes of French politics can also be compared to the more consistent (and perhaps more capitalistic) policies of England. Looking beyond its political settings, "A Tale of Two Cities" is about platonic love, for which exchanging one's own life is the ultimate sacrifice.

The story begins in pre-revolutionary France. Basil Rathbone entertainingly hams it up as despotic aristocrat Marquis St. Evremonde, who is despised by the French people. The Marquis is rejected by his noble, humorless, egalitarian nephew Charles Darney (Donald Woods).

Darney emigrates to England, promptly beginning a romance with earnest beauty Lucie Manette (Elizabeth Allan). Lucie is the daughter of Dr. Manette (Henry B. Walthall), who has survived many years of imprisonment caused by the Marquis. Her housekeeper is loyal Miss Pross (Edna May Oliver), whose withering remarks to family outsiders provide endless comic relief.

The meddlesome Marquis conspires with the amoral Barsad (Walter Catlett) to trump up a treason charge against Darney in an English court. On trial for his life, Darney is defended by blustery Stryver (Reginald Owen) and modest, alcoholic Sydney Carton (Ronald Colman, whose crisp speaking voice is well suited for the role). Carton's clever defense frees Darney, winning admiration (but not love) from Lucie. Carton loves Lucie, but feels that he cannot live up to her expectations of him.

Meanwhile, the revolution has begun in France. Peasants are putting to the guillotine anyone unlucky enough to be accused of being either an aristocrat or a conspirator. Darney is tricked by ruthless peasant leader Madame Defarge (Blanche Yurka) and her cackling crony (Lucille La Verne) into returning to France, putting his life at peril.

A Tale of Two Cities has some impressive sets and crowd shots. The storming of the bastille involved a huge cast of extras, and is both dramatic and entertaining. These scenes were directed by Val Lewton and Jacques Tourneur, who would work together years later on such RKO horror classics as Cat People and I Walked with a Zombie.

Legendary David O. Selznick (Gone With the Wind, Rebecca) was the film's producer. He also produced another Dickens adaptation, David Copperfield, in the same year of 1935. Basil Rathbone, Edna May Oliver and Elizabeth Allan had plum supporting roles in both films.

A Tale of Two Cities was the first film in eighteen years for stage actress Yurka. The film received two Oscar nominations, for Best Picture and Best Editing. It was the fourth film version of Dickens' novel, following silent films in 1911, 1917 and 1922. (69/100)



Recommended: Yes