Director Tony Richardson directed the largely underrated THE LOVED ONE and finished his career with powerful drama BLUE SKY. But before those films, he directed a bawdy, best picture-winning screen adaptation of Henry Fielding’s novel TOM JONES.
Albert Finney (TWO FOR THE ROAD) plays the title character, a bastard child raised by a rich man named Squire Allworthy (George Devine, LOOK BACK IN ANGER). Tom is a free-spirited playboy, but he truly loves only one girl – Sophie Western (Susannah York, SUPERMAN). However, Sophie’s father, Squire Western (Hugh Griffith, BEN-HUR), won’t have a bastard marrying his daughter. As well, Tom’s devious cousin Mr. Blifil (David Warner, TRON) schemes to get Tom kicked out of their house. Other key characters include older damsel in distress Mrs. Waters (Joyce Redman, A DIFFERENT KIND OF LOVE), Squire Western’s snobby city slicker sister (Edith Evans, THE NUN’S STORY), the high-society seductress Lady Bellaston (Joan Greenwood, BARBARELLA), Sophie’s adulterous cousin Mrs. Fitzpatrick (Rosalind Knight, PRICK UP YOUR EARS), the angry Irish husband Mr. Fitzpatrick (George A. Cooper, BLESS THIS HOUSE) and Sophie’s maid Molly Seagrim (Diane Cilento, HOMBRE).
Finney received a well-deserved best actor nod for his lively performance. Likewise, Griffith, Redman, Evans and Cilento all received supporting actor or actress (whichever the case may be) nods. Griffith is hilarious as the sex-obsessed drunkard and Evans serves as a wonderful counter to his debauchery. Redman deserved her nomination for only two scenes -- the most sexually charged food eating scene outside of 9 1/2 WEEKS and a nod to the camera that is simply hilarious. However, Cilento’s nomination is a mystery. Greenwood or Knight’s performances were more of a standout to me.
Richardson’s direction is lively and fun, using swipes, freeze-frames, asides to the camera, silent movie title cards and a humorous narrator (Michael MacLiammoir). At times the images look like the paintings of the 18th Century, in which the story is set. There’s also a handheld feel to some of the non-dialogue segments that adds energy and realism. Having not read the book, I quite enjoyed how the story comes together at the end. It’s a solid, fun production.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
