Reverend Dr T. Lawrence Shannon is an Episcopal priest who following a scandal, which led to an emotional breakdown, has found work as a tour guide in Mexico. The latest group he is showing around are a group of Baptist women school teachers. As well as the women there is sixteen year old Charlotte, who is in the care of one of the ladies. Charlotte soon starts flirting with Shannon, causing her chaperone much distress. One night she slips into his room and when the other women find out Shannon is accused of seducing her and his career is threatened. The next day he drives them to a remote hotel owned by Maxine, the widow of an old friend. Soon after this group arrives another couple turn up; Hannah Jelkes, an artist, and her elderly grandfather. These women; Maxine, Hannah and Charlotte, will affect Shannon's life, for good or ill, as he is forced to confront his life's problems.
I really enjoyed this film. It starts well with Shannon's very public breakdown in the pulpit before the action moves to Mexico. Here things continue well with tensions rising as Shannon is accused of inappropriate behaviour. Once at the hotel things get more interesting as Shannon interacts with the women and confronts his demons. The cast is great, most obviously Richard Burton who brings a real intensity to the role of Shannon. There is impressive support from Ava Gardner, as Maxine; Deborah Kerr, as Hannah; Sue Lyon, as Charlotte and Grayson Hall, as Charlotte's chaperone Judith Fellowes. As well as delivering a good drama there are also a good number of amusing moments. Given the age of the film it is surprisingly sultry at times and the conversation frequently moves to sexual matters... although not in too much detail. The setting adds to the atmosphere with its isolation and beauty. Overall I'd definitely recommend this to fans of older, character led films.
I really enjoyed this film. It starts well with Shannon's very public breakdown in the pulpit before the action moves to Mexico. Here things continue well with tensions rising as Shannon is accused of inappropriate behaviour. Once at the hotel things get more interesting as Shannon interacts with the women and confronts his demons. The cast is great, most obviously Richard Burton who brings a real intensity to the role of Shannon. There is impressive support from Ava Gardner, as Maxine; Deborah Kerr, as Hannah; Sue Lyon, as Charlotte and Grayson Hall, as Charlotte's chaperone Judith Fellowes. As well as delivering a good drama there are also a good number of amusing moments. Given the age of the film it is surprisingly sultry at times and the conversation frequently moves to sexual matters... although not in too much detail. The setting adds to the atmosphere with its isolation and beauty. Overall I'd definitely recommend this to fans of older, character led films.