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The Four Poster

Play trailer Poster for The Four Poster Released Oct 8, 1952 1h 43m Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
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In turn-of-the-century New York, the marriage of poetry writer John Edwards (Rex Harrison) and Abby (Lilli Palmer) unfolds over the years, starting with the young newlyweds buoyant and hopeful. Over time, rejection of his poetry by publishing houses depresses John, until Abby urges him to consider fiction. When that writing is successful, John's vanity almost drives Abby away, but they reconcile and have a son. War, infidelity, boredom and age take their toll on the marriage as the years go by.

Audience Reviews

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Lorien S It seemed this lovely film played every Saturday afternoon on tv in the mid-60s. I watched it over and over, and adored it. Years later, I tried to find it, first on VHS, then dvd, and most recently via streaming. No luck until I finally found it again, on YouTube. I was delighted to find it every bit as charming as it was in my memory. Ms Palmer is luminous, Harrison is wonderful, and their chemistry, real married couple that they were, allows a degree of authentic intimacy seldom seen on film. The cinematography has some truly beautiful moments (Ms Palmer in her wedding dress, back-lit by candlelight speaks to the fragility of the moment in the scene). And then there's the use of groundbreaking animation acting as time segues between chapters of their lives, as well as showing the only moments away from the one room where all the acting takes place. The Four Poster is a charming depiction of a long and successful marriage, from innocent young love, through the trials and successes of life, and into the final stages of lives well lived. I don't understand why this lovely film has been so forgotten. I'm delighted to watch it again; an old friend returned to me.l Rated 4 out of 5 stars 12/06/23 Full Review Audience Member Not sure why this great film is so unavailable, it features two great performances, indeed the only two performances in the film. Rex Harrison is superb as always, but Lili Palmer is transcendant. Many laughs and tears for this viewer. See it if you can. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/16/23 Full Review Audience Member Lilli Palmer was appointed to the Venice Film Festival as best actress for "The Four Poster" and won the Coppa Volpi for Best Actress. Entitled! Fantastic story with a fantastic Lilli Palmer. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/02/23 Full Review Read all reviews
The Four Poster

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The Four Poster

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Movie Info

Synopsis In turn-of-the-century New York, the marriage of poetry writer John Edwards (Rex Harrison) and Abby (Lilli Palmer) unfolds over the years, starting with the young newlyweds buoyant and hopeful. Over time, rejection of his poetry by publishing houses depresses John, until Abby urges him to consider fiction. When that writing is successful, John's vanity almost drives Abby away, but they reconcile and have a son. War, infidelity, boredom and age take their toll on the marriage as the years go by.
Director
Irving Reis
Genre
Comedy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Oct 8, 1952, Original
Runtime
1h 43m