Anastasia (1956)

reviewed by
Michael Turton


Anastasia (1956)
Directed by Anatole Litvak.
Ingrid Bergman as Anastasia, Yul Brynner as Prince Bounine,
Helen Hayes as Dowager Empress.
20th Century Fox.
Runtime: 105. 
Reviewed by Michael Turton

This film is wonderful! Superb acting by Helen Hayes and Ingrid Bergman (who won an Oscar in a comeback role) brings out the best of a clever and powerful script.

The story centers around the efforts of a con man, Bounine (Yul Brynner), once a Russian prince, to pass off a lovely refugee (Ingrid Bergman) as the Princess Anastasia, last of the Romanovs. As the story progresses, however, an interesting twist emerges: she may actually be the real Anastasia. As the pair head to Denmark to meet the Dowager Empress (Helen Hayes) in hope of obtaining recognition for Anastasia, a furtive, unacknowledged love affair blossoms between the brooding, imperious Prince and the confused yet vivacious Princess.

Three pillars of strength hold this story up: strongly-drawn characters, a restrained, witty script and exceptional acting. Despite its dependence on universal themes of love, family and identity, the film never lurches into the vulgar or obvious. Yul Brynner, always a treat, does a sterling job portraying a man caught in an emotional undertow. Helen Hayes is especially delightful as the crusty, suffer-no-fools Dowager Empress. There are some truly exquisite scenes. The recognition scene between Bergman and Hayes is tremendous, two fine actors at the top of their game. The scene in which the Prince informs the Dowager Empress of his feelings is also quite moving. The ending, which could have been incredibly mawkish and sentimental, is handled with such grace and understatement that it leaves the viewer completely satisfied without feeling stuffed. I'd give this one 5 out of 5, good offbeat fare for those nights when you're pacing the aisles at Blockbuster and nothing looks very interesting.

Copyright 1998 by Michael A. Turton

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