''Lizzie" is an intriguing film with the potential to be better than it is. It starts off well with the ever reliable Eleanor Parker setting the mood
and immediately winning audience sympathy. Alarmingly, on Elizabeth's return home from work, the film suddenly feels trashy with Joan
Blondell, as her frumpy aunt, giving a wild, over the top performance that I find quite repulsive. What a role for Myrna Loy who would have
nailed it. Richard Boone matches Parker in class, giving a sound and convincing performance as the pragmatic psychiatrist.
Parker goes somewhat adrift in transforming from the timid Elizabeth to the vulgar Lizzie and the night club scene comes across as ludicrous ; a sort of Jekyll and Hyde parody. I have always admired Eleanor Parker but it's sad to see her talents compromised by unsure direction and the painful scene-stealing attempts by the shrill Blondell.
I intend keeping my DVD copy but will be re-watching the film for the best scenes ; those featuring Parker and Boone.
Parker goes somewhat adrift in transforming from the timid Elizabeth to the vulgar Lizzie and the night club scene comes across as ludicrous ; a sort of Jekyll and Hyde parody. I have always admired Eleanor Parker but it's sad to see her talents compromised by unsure direction and the painful scene-stealing attempts by the shrill Blondell.
I intend keeping my DVD copy but will be re-watching the film for the best scenes ; those featuring Parker and Boone.