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      The Seventh Veil

      Released Feb 15, 1946 1h 35m Drama List
      Reviews 58% Audience Score 250+ Ratings After attempting suicide, Francesca Cunningham (Ann Todd) hires Dr. Larsen (Herbert Lom) who, using hypnotism, delves into her subconscious in search of answers. Francesca recounts several failed romances to Dr. Larsen, shown in flashbacks, many of which were sabotaged by her cousin and musical tutor, Nicholas (James Mason), a jealous taskmaster who cares for Francesca deeply. As the subsequent veils are lifted from her clouded mind, Francesca is forced to confront her feelings for Nicholas. Read More Read Less

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      The Seventh Veil

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      Critics Reviews

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      Eddie Harrison film-authority.com ...one of the ten most popular films ever released in the UK, The Seventh Seal owes its reputation largely to the music, and to Todd and Mason, both of whom still shine even when the mechanics creak... Rated: 3/5 Jan 23, 2024 Full Review MFB Critics Monthly Film Bulletin The pity is that all this fine work should have been given to what is only, after all is said, another rather obvious story of luxury and the romantic yearnings of the poor little rich girl. Feb 9, 2018 Full Review Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com Infused with Freudian psychology, which was popular at the time, this Oscar-winning amnesia melodrama is very well acted by James Mason as the Svengali-like figure and Ann Todd as his pianist protege. Rated: B+ Jul 22, 2012 Full Review Read all reviews

      Audience Reviews

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      Steve D I fond it unconvincing and thought it dragged. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 03/29/24 Full Review Audience Member It seems well acted but the storyline is awful. The James Mason character is controlling, and physically and mentally abusive. The heroine ends up with him and this is after mental health therapy. Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 01/17/23 Full Review Audience Member The kind of film I like, nothing wasted in the build up, all coming together in the end to enlighten you as to the characters & why they do what they do. The only comparison (although it's a very different film) is Clueless. The main charters psychological make up is a mystery to them, until the major turning point that gives them, and us, insight into their own drives. Persist with this film despite some minor issues with the cinematography, due to age, and you will be rewarded. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/22/23 Full Review andy f An overrated film with a plot that you always suspect will have more than it actually delivers. James Mason is superb as is Ann Todd, it's just that the psychological aspects aren't as dramatic as you'd think they could be. It's an early effort at the genre though and it's entertaining enough for the most part. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review Audience Member This highly successful British melodrama put James Mason on the map, making him a famous, international film star. His enigmatic performance as Nicholas, the older cousin of an adolescent girl,Francesca, who becomes his ward, is restrained but passionate, intriguing and forthright. A failed pianist who is crippled in one leg and uses a cane, he takes on the burden of his responsibility to Francesca, who has always loved music but was forbidden to play at boarding school. Nicholas devotes ten years to molding her into a successful concert pianist and true artist, only to face contending with various men who begin to pop into her life and vie for her attention. The film begins in medias re, with Francesca waking up in a hospital with a severe case of amnesia. Her story is told in flashbacks that culminate in a car accident that leaves her a broken spirit. Released in 1945, it reflects the enormous influence of Freud on popular culture--when a person of affluence is in trouble, it is time to call in the psychiatrists! The unfortunate chain of events that lead to Francesca's memory loss demand that she undergo psychoanalysis, or "treatment," as it is referred to in the film. But the experience turns out to be Francesca's best chance of putting the needs of others on hold and finding out who she really is, what she really wants to do, and whom she really loves. Ann Todd gives a fine performance as Francesca and, according to the footage, appears to have been a truly accomplished musician in real life. She is a wonderful foil for James Mason who has the difficult task of portraying a truly good man who appears to be dominating, cruel and even evil. But appearances are deceiving. When other men urge Francesca to give up her music, he urges her to continue playing; when other men urge her to give up "treatment," he challenges her to face her fears through analysis and strive to overcome her illness. Gradually Francesca recovers her memory and resolves her feelings of conflict about the men in her life and the kind of life she wants for herself. The "seventh veil" is lifted and she is united with the man that she truly loves. The ending is surprisingly unpredictable. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/01/23 Full Review Audience Member You can't go wrong with this classic English melodrama from 1945 when the soundtrack consists of Rachmaninoff, Grieg, Chopin, Beethoven & Mozart! Add James Mason (one of my favourite/most legendary actors of all time) and Ann Todd (grew up watching her as the fearful wife in the Soundbarrier many a time) for the main cast and you've got a winner! Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/08/23 Full Review Read all reviews Post a rating

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      The Seventh Veil

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      Movie Info

      Synopsis After attempting suicide, Francesca Cunningham (Ann Todd) hires Dr. Larsen (Herbert Lom) who, using hypnotism, delves into her subconscious in search of answers. Francesca recounts several failed romances to Dr. Larsen, shown in flashbacks, many of which were sabotaged by her cousin and musical tutor, Nicholas (James Mason), a jealous taskmaster who cares for Francesca deeply. As the subsequent veils are lifted from her clouded mind, Francesca is forced to confront her feelings for Nicholas.
      Director
      Compton Bennett
      Screenwriter
      Muriel Box, Sydney Box
      Distributor
      Universal Pictures
      Production Co
      Ortus Films
      Genre
      Drama
      Original Language
      English (United Kingdom)
      Release Date (Theaters)
      Feb 15, 1946, Original
      Release Date (Streaming)
      May 23, 2017
      Runtime
      1h 35m
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