The Incredible Sarah

(UK)

Readers Digest. Director Richard Fleischer; Producer Helen M. Strauss; Screenplay Ruth Wolff; Camera Christopher Challis; Editor John Jympson; Music Elmer Bernstein; Art Director Elliot Scott

Glenda Jackson
Daniel Massey
Yvonne Mitchell
Douglas Wilmer
David Langton
Simon Williams

Ruth Wolff's script, conceded in opening titles to be a 'free' interpretation of Sarah Bernhardt's early years, follows the famed actress from her early halting years on the French stage, then through an initial period of fame, notoriety and finally a youthful comeback of sorts at age 35. Glenda Jackson's versatile performance ranges from backstage, intimate situations to several lengthy excerpts from Bernhardt vehicles.

This is the story of a theatrical personality, not your average housewife. The achievement here is that Jackson makes the character comprehensible and, in a qualified way, admirable, notwithstanding the clear evidence of a totally selfcentered nature.

Strong supporting cast includes Daniel Massey as a playwright friend, and Simon Williams as an early lover and father of Bernhardt's son.

1976: Nominations: Best Costume Design, Art Direction

(Color) Available on VHS, DVD. Extract of a review from 1976. Running time: 105 MIN.

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