Home Before Dark (1958) Reviews

• Not what it seems

  eigaeye2012-08-28

  Producer-director Mervyn LeRoy knows how to trail a false scent or two across this story; we receive hints of other films (Gaslight, for example, or almost any Hitchcock) and begin to wonder. Keeping us doubting, and keeping us outside the vulnerable and troubled main character, played superbly by Jean Simmons, we are left in a strange, low-key state of suspense right to the end. Is she mad, is she being manipulated for some nefarious end? Are her family conspirators or just unfeeling? If the latter, who is to blame? We want to rescue this character, we have in the story two likable men who seem to be candidates for white knights. Again, LeRoy manipulates our expectations of a melodramatic plot twist, a catharsis of the sort we have seen in those other films, in which all will be revealed. But, without spoiling the story, this is a different sort of film. Between the first scene and the second to last scene, we are held in a kind of suspended animation, together with the Simmons character. It is only very late in the film, however, that LeRoy lets the scales drop from our eyes. Some may find the other family members too unsympathetic, early on especially. If there is a weakness in the formula, this is it. For me, the powerful sequence on Christmas Eve in Boston – the shopping jaunt, the party and the confrontation back at the hotel - settles such doubts as exist. The ledger is more than balanced, in any case, by a good script, fine black and white photography, a convincing portrayal of a hidebound and catty faculty town (politics has nothing on academe), sensitive direction by LeRoy and, especially, Jean Simmons at her considerable best. This film deserves more admirers. It is that quietly spoken guest at the party who, if you spend some time listening, has more to say than the usual cinema windbags.

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• In many ways a great and neglected masterpiece!

  peter31202000-02-04

  I have loved this movie since I saw it in 1958 when I was 12. I have a video copy taped from WGN in Chicago. The movie was shot around Danvers and Marblehead and Boston, Massachusetts. I grew up here and actually worked at Danvers State Hospital where the opening of the film was shot. Jean Simmons' performance is a masterpiece! It has the feeling of real life in its depiction of depression and mental disorientation. It also points out how important one friend who believes in you can be for the emotionally wrought person. This character, Jacob Diamond, was portrayed by Efrem Zimbalist, Jr. in another overlooked fine performance. His character shows that a little kindness and understanding can go a long way. I disagree that the film is lumbering. If someone is looking for a car chase, this is the wrong film. If one is looking for great acting and wonderful character development, this film will provide it. Even the more minor roles are played perfectly. Rhonda Fleming is great as Charlotte's (Simmons) sister subtly wooing Dan O'Herlihy from his wife's affections. I have seen this film many times, and each time, like a great piece of music, I see more in it. I have never been able to find it on video. I have my copy thanks to over the air broadcasts. I taped it twice, one station inserting material that is often edited out, and dubbed it into one complete version. I would love to hear anyone's comments, pro or con, on this film as I am fascinated by people's differing reactions to it. Sincerely, Peter3120

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• Simmons hits it out of the park . . .

  purrlgurrl2013-12-20

  A terrific actress, Jean Simmons never quite reached the top rung of Hollywood stardom the way her contemporaries did (e.g., Elizabeth Taylor or even Kim Novak). Tiny (in an era of big buxom beauties), dark, intense, and British, she had somewhat limited appeal among American audiences. And now, she's often overlooked or forgotten when we think of actresses of her era. But, looking back at much of her work, it's clear she was probably the finest screen actress of the lot working in Hollywood in her time. This is nowhere more apparent than this film where Simmmons brings some emotional truth to every frame she's in. She elevates even the most maudlin dialog she must deliver in what is essentially a potboiler with the intensity she brings to her performance. She plays it like it's Shakespearean tragedy, and is simply heart-breaking as well as mesmerizing as a woman desperately struggling to recover from a breakdown and save her failing marriage. It's truly sad this film has been largely forgotten because Jean Simmons and her performance shouldn't be.

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• Sometimes it's not paranoia

  sharlyfarley2003-07-20

  Charlotte (Jean Simmons) comes home from a mental hospital, shaky but game. She's been cured of all her delusions - that her husband and stepsister are having an affair, and conspiring behind her back. Except that her husband (Dan O'Herlihy) really does crave her stepsister (Rhonda Fleming) and they do talk about her in whispered tones. Even their new lodger (Efrem Zimbalist) can see it. But they deny it and she tries to deny it some more, to keep peace in the family. Finally, she can't. Is she having a breakdown or a breakout? Admittedly, it is slow - the direction is cumbersome. But occasionally, it nails Eileen Bassing's novel with its stifling New England academic atmosphere and the rigidity of its codes. Jean Simmons was nominated for Best Actress in this role, and small wonder; it's one of her best this side of Elmer Gantry. Steve Dunne has an engaging appearance, and it's Rhonda Fleming who gets to be unsympathetic for a change. If I could find the video, I'd buy it. But it's not for teenaged boys.

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• Why isn't this movie shown on cable or on home video?

  bestactor2002-12-28

  This is a very good movie for which Jean Simmons won the prestigious New York Film Critics award for best actress. It used to be shown regularly on TV in the 1960s and '70s. Those of us who remember it know it deserves to be brought out of obscurity.