So Little Time (1952) User Reviews

Great movie - now available on DVD in Germany if you are interested

[cushybut · 8/10 · 19 June 2005]

I have loved this movie ever since I was a child when it seemed to be on television regularly in the 60s and 70s. It was also my mother's favourite film and I once arranged for it to be shown at the British Film Institute in London as a birthday gift for her.

However, just wanted to tell people that it is now available on DVD in Germany. Unfortunately only a dubbed version (with no subtitles) but for someone like me who was desperate to see it again - it was better than nothing. I have absolutely no idea why this film has not been made more available within the UK, on video, or on television where it not been shown to my knowledge within the last 20 years. Once again I have loved this moving love story which given the subject matter of the film could only end the way it does. Also, it is the only film I have seen where Marius Goring was sexy!!

So Little Time - Such an Impact

[AmyLouise · 8/10 · 15 March 2005]

How sad that this film appears to have been lost - how do you "lose" such an good film?

I too have only seen it once, on television - was it in the seventies? But I've never forgotten it, and always kept an eye out for it to appear on television again, especially since the advent of cable, or in video stores, but it has eluded me.

I've always liked Marius Goring's work - yes, I fell in love with him in The Red Shoes - but this film was particularly strong in both story- line and casting. I've always preferred black and white film for drama, and it was just right for this romantic and ultimately tragic story.

I'm rating it high, although I saw it so long ago and can't remember details, but for any film to have had such an impact that one can't forget it decades later after one viewing, means it deserves the highest rating.

SO LITTLE TIME, such a long time since I saw it

[bellol · 8/10 · 10 April 2006]

I only ever saw this movie once, and that was in the late 1960's when I was doing my year 12 (back then matriculation)exams. I remember that I had a Friday afternoon exam, so my parents allowed me to stay up late to unwind. I also recall my Father exiting shortly after it started, and my Mother attempting to turn the TV off, when Nicole flung herself into Colonel Holensee's arms, because she didn't want her erstwhile enemy to leave her family mansion. Thankfully I didn't give into my Mother's discomfort, and was the only one to watch it to its tear jerking end.

I had always liked Marius Goring in THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL, but after seeing him in SO LITTLE TIME, I developed a schoolgirl crush on him that I have never fully recovered from. This movie has left a lasting impression on my mind after a single viewing. It was wonderful finding this web page and reading other people's responses to it. It made me realize that I wasn't as nutty as I thought I was.

I would love to see this movie again, partly to check to see if any of the details I think I recall, are indeed correct. For instance I think that I remember that Colonel Holensee had an old war wound on one side of his face, which periodically gave him trouble, prompting him to pop a pill or two. Then there was Anna, the housekeeper/cook (Janet from the 1960's DR. FINLAY'S CASEBOOK)at the de Malvines' mansion, who bossed the Colonel's batman about. One scene I think I managed to confirm, is when Holensee takes Nicole to THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO, they watch the final act from the wings. Shortly after that scene I think that I recall another scene at the theatre, when an old friend/flame(?)of Holensee is alone with him. She has noticed that the Colonel is smitten with Nicole, and so tells him to do something as there is "so little time". At the very end, after Holensee has shot himself (as they all did in DOWNFALL), I think that there was a shot (camera this time, not gun) of the batman wiping his glasses, and then the rain beginning to fall on some autumn leaves.

One thing that I am 95% certain of is that I saw this movie on ABC TV (Australian Broadcasting Commission), as out TV was rarely turned on to other channels. I emailed them in late January this year. I received this response a week later "I am sorry to say that the ABC does not currently have the rights to screen this film. However I have noted your request and will forward it on to Television Acquisitions so that they are aware of your interest".

My gut feeling is:

a)the ABC still has a copy of SO LITTLE TIME

b)the copyright is held by the German company who have so annoyingly dubbed it into Deutsch

c)the ABC is probably not interested in buying the screening rights because they are either too expensive, or it would be a waste of staff time trying to purchase rights from a German company they don't normally deal with, or both.

If anyone in Australia would like to see SO LITTLE TIME again, or indeed for the first time, please email the ABC, or write to them. Maybe if they get a number of enquiries, they might actually do something about acquiring the screening rights.

found a German copy "Wenn das Herz spricht"

[ahill10 · 3 June 2006]

Saw this movie as a child but never got to see the end of the film. My wonderful husband tracked down a dubbed German copy re-titled "Wenn das Herz spricht" on the internet for my birthday. Have contacted the Library of Congress--they own a copy but for some reason this U.K.-made movie is not available to the public. Would love to see the original English version that I saw in 1968 while babysitting. The couple came home and I never got to see the end of the movie! It was shown on a cable or PBS channel in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area c. 1968. Maria Schell and Marius Goring were so real and touching in their portrayals. Would love to hear other viewer comments about this poignant and achingly beautiful story.

So Little Time review

[JoeytheBrit · 7/10 · 29 June 2020]

A poignant, bittersweet tale of forbidden love between a young woman and a much older man who also happens to be a Nazi officer occupying her country. The chemistry between Marius Goring and Maria Schell isn't too convincing, but the story is told with intelligence.

The edge of darkness takes over Belgium.

[mark.waltz · 7/10 · 22 September 2021]

A realistic wartime romance takes a tragic turn in this British drama which features memorable performances by Maria Schell and Marius Goring, as well as a great ensemble. Goring is the Nazi officer taking residence in the home of Schell and her aging mother. A kindness by officer Goring in regards to the aging mother of Schell opens up the romantic possibilities of the German officer and the Belgian young lady which ultimately creates conflict between Schell and the other townsfolk who believe that she has betrayed them, but there's more to the story than the obvious Mata Hari twists. The love the two share is real, but the love of their individual countries appears to be stronger.

In the 1943 Warner Brothers war drama, a minor plot development had Danish citizen Judith Anderson suffering between the love of her country and her love for a German soldier. Anderson ends up killing the soldier in the conclusion of that film, and the sacrifice for love of country and love of another human is an important theme here as well as in "Edge". This is a beautifully made but flawed film, well worth seeking out for its many qualities. Goring never stops being a Nazi here really, but longing glances from him towards Schell do reveal his being torn. Gorgeous art direction and photography are a major plus in this obscure post war drama that gives just one of many glimpses into the psychological trauma behind the Nazi occupation.

"How I hate this war. It interferes with my music...!"

[richardchatten · 6/10 · 30 May 2020]

It's hard to figure out who this bizarre retread as soap opera of a subject far more hauntingly handled by Jean-Pierre Melville in 'Le Silence de la Mer' was aimed at; since few British women experienced the temptation of 'horizontal collaboration' (at least with Germans) that women on the Continent did during the war years.

Marius Goring is at his least ingratiating as the uninvited German guest and shows far less affection for Belgium than his predecessor in the earlier had for France. Needless to say, none of the cast seem to be played by authentic Belgians; and the resistance are portrayed as a creepy bunch.

(The line in the caption field, by the way, comes from 'Odette' not this.)

Finding copies of So Little Time

[perrywb · 10/10 · 23 September 2006]

I researched this site to try to find out if a DVD (restored?) existing of this haunting film and discovered from the comments of viewers that many are also endeavoring to just merely obtain any copy of the film which apparently has gone off the market. I am fortunate apparently to have had a VHS copy I taped from a PBS showing a long time. I have transferred the same to DVD with good success. Perhaps copies could be obtained from PBS New Hampshire or Vermont TV stations where I think mine originated. I would gladly forward a copy of recording to interested persons for a small fee to cover DVD and shipping costs but I'm afraid that is illegal.

Bill Perry

Divided loyalties.

[brogmiller · 7/10 · 15 October 2023]

By all accounts this was originally to be set in France and to be directed by one of the great 'auteurs' Max Ophuls but the subject matter was deemed too sensitive for a country that had endured humiliating defeat and occupation by the Nazis. The action was relocated to Belgium with the capable Compton Bennett in the director's chair but the sympathetic portrayal of Wehrmacht officer Hohensee, his relationship with Belgian girl Nicole who is more than half his age and not least the deeply unpleasant character of resistance fighter Philippe, only succeeded in rattling a few cages and ruffling a few feathers.

Such sensibilities were perfectly understandable at the time but seventy years on it is hopefully possible to see it in a more objective light.

Although for this viewer at any rate this is not a great film, it is undeniably a very good one, deeply touching at times and featuring some beautiful performances. This was not the only time of course that Marius Goring was to don a German uniform but this immensely cultured artiste excels here and is given the chance to invest his character with both depth and dimension. He also has the great good fortune to be cast opposite Maria Schell who brings the intensity and sensibility that were so much a part of her appeal in films in which she starred for such as Clément, Kautner, Visconti, Siodmak and Mann. I cannot recall a single film of hers in which her special quality has not rubbed off on her leading man and this one is certainly no exception.

Sterling support as always from grande dame Gabrielle Dorziat who brings a touch of class to every film in which she appears whilst Lucie Mannheim and Barbara Mullen impress in smaller roles. One would have to say that the younger supporting players are no more than adequate and that the skirmish between German soldiers and members of the Belgian resistance is rather a damp squib but on the whole the film's strengths outweigh its weaknesses which is all one can hope for in all but the very greatest of films. Let's face it, Compton Bennett is no Max Ophuls.

Saw it in 1955

[nelder · 10/10 · 23 May 2000]

This movie has haunted me since the day I saw it in August of 1955. I have never had movie stick in my mind like this one. I would love to have a video of it and have never seen in anywhere and I always look for it. Cannot believe that it has not been put out for purchase. My husband (who since passed away) and I often discussed it in years following our seeing it. It impressed him as well, so I know it isn't just a "woman's sentimental" memory. It remains my favorite Maria Schell movie to this day!

Moving

[dierregi · 7/10 · 28 February 2022]

As far as impossible love stories go, they don't get more impossible than this one.

Maria Schell is Nicole de Malvine, the heroine of the story, a Belgian young woman from a rich family, who lives with her mother in a beautiful house. Belgium is occupied by the Germans and all the men of the family are arrested and executed, with the sole exception of Philippe, whose whereabouts are unknown.

When the house is requisitioned for a German officer, Nicole is indignant and expresses her hatred to the Commandant, a stern middle-aged man.

However, through their mutual love for music, the unlikely pair starts to share time and inevitably they fall in love, knowing there's no future for them.

A sort of Suite française, but more tragic, the story is believable because both main characters are very good at playing without overdoing the naive Belgian girl and the lonely German officer.

So Little Time (1952)

[helencoyle · 9/10 · 10 January 2018]

I saw this Movie about a month ago on the Gem TV Channel in December. I thought it was fascinating to watch. It has such an unusual storyline about the love between a German Soldier and a Belgium woman whose country was occupied by the Nazis. I only came across it because I was home one Saturday during the day and was searching through the TV Guide for something to watch on TV. It has got me interested in Actress Maria Schell. For those In Australia wanting to see it. You have to write to Channel 9 and ask for it to be rescreened on its Gem Channel as they have the rights to it.

Good try but lacks conviction

[verna-a · 5/10 · 14 March 2015]

There have been other portrayals of fatal relationships arising in wartime. This one sets out to have great pathos but lacks conviction, due to the lack of chemistry between the principals. I have to lay the blame with Marius Goring (whom I like in other things). He holds the heroine very stiffly, and plants blunt passionless kisses on her face, mostly missing her lips. As it appeared the last thing he wanted to do was kiss a girl, I was led to the hypothesis he was of the other persuasion, although I can't find any support for this in IMDb. Maybe it's mostly that expressions of passion were very stylized and formal in the films of the 1950s. Anyway,a passionate lover he is not, although he is good in the persona of the arrogant Nazi. Maria Schell is lovely and very simpatico, although the celestial smile on her face is over-used. The story is effective in depicting her as naive and confused, although as her character acts more and more foolishly towards the end, I rapidly lost sympathy. There is plenty of suspense and it's a good-looking film. It could have been so much more engaging with better acting and direction, hence a 5.

Wonderful Film

[rjmo · 24 March 2004]

I have been waiting for over 40 years to see this movie again but so far to my knowledge it is not available anywhere. This film has been forgotted by everyone, sad but true. It is really one of the finest world war 2 films made in the UK. I only wish someone, somehow, can bring it back. I made numerous efforts to find this film but so far no one can tell me where it can be obtained. I have written to many film studios in the UK but all tell me the film is not availabe. No one can tell me why but the film cannot be bought, shown, or distributed by anyone. It is as if it never existed but to those of us who know the film realize it was a wonderful love story true to world war 2 love story films.

Beautiful and Unusual WWII Film

[janelleobrien-98207 · 10/10 · 26 September 2019]

My sister and I saw this film for the first time a few weeks ago on a Saturday afternoon on Nine Gem. We didn't know of it, although we have long been admirers of Marius Goring. We were both in floods of tears at the end and immediately ordered the DVD and I have watched it many times since it arrived.

So Little Time is the moving WWII tale of a 20 year-old girl (Maria Schell) in occupied Belgium who falls in love with 45 year-old German commandant (Marius Goring). The film is based on the novel 'I Am Not A Heroine' by Noelle Henry. I would love to to get a copy of the book but I think it is out of print.

The film was made at Elstree but a unit went out to Belgium to film various outdoor scenes. The film unit based themselves in the town of Leau, a small town with a population of 2,000 about 45 miles east of Brussels. Some of the scenes were at the Château de Sterrebeek, just outside Brussels, which stood in for the Château de Malvines in the film. The Château de Sterrebeek, built in 1761 by Jean-Antoine Ories in a classicist style was rebuilt in 1908 by Maurice Despret in a neoclassical style. The castle and the gatehouse are protected as a monument and the entire park protected as a landscape in 1958.

Marius Goring could speak fluent German and French. I wish that I could understand German as I would love to know what von Hohensee says to that weaselly Gestapo man in the scene near the end when they bring in Phillipe de Malvines after he's captured. If anyone can speak German and has a copy of the film, I would love you to provide a translation. The DVD does not have any subtitles.

Watching the film, I was struck by similarities to 'Jane Eyre'. Bear with me. Jane and Nicole are both lonely young women without much family. Rochester and von Hohensee are both lonely men in their 40s with no family. Rochester is intrigued by the honesty of Jane's conversation and the spirituality of her drawings. von Hohensee is drawn to Nicole through their mutual love of music. When von Hohensee tells his former lover, the soprano Lotte Schönberg, that Nicole's playing fascinates him, she, of course, knows better. "I think you mean that SHE fascinates you!" He can't deny it! "Yes, I love her and she loves me, although she doesn't know it." Another scene is were he is holding Nicole in his arms and sees them both in a mirror on the wall. He asks her "Am I very ugly?" She smiles and replies "Yes, very ugly." This reminds me of the scene near the end of Jane Eyre when Mr Rochester, after being scarred and blinded, asks Jane "Am I hideous, Jane?" "Very, sir: you always were, you know."

In the scene where Nicole hears von Hohensee playing an aria from The Marriage of Figaro and comes silently into his room, I wondered why he looks so caught out when he realises that she is behind him and had heard him singing. I found the English translation of the German lyrics that he was singing. In English it means "Say, is it love, what is burning here?" No wonder he looks guilty!

I also loved the scene where Nicole's friend Gerard storms into von Hohensee's sitting room and demands a pass for himself and Paulette as they are out past the curfew. Gerard's behaviour is rude and childish but the commandant is quite deliberately arrogant and condescending in return. "In fact, M. Sainte-Foi, I don't think that you constitute any threat whatsoever. Nevertheless, do not let this encourage you to take any more liberties, or I may be compelled to remind you of your manners in the forcible way we use for schoolboys. I'm sure you would dislike a spanking from my orderly." I love it but he's obviously trying to push Nicole away.

Marius Goring said that other than the Powell Pressburger films, this one was his favourite. "A touching little film," said Goring, "my favourite apart from the Powell films. It was too soon after the war and people thought every German was a horror . . . it's timing was wrong."

I totally agree with one reviewer here when she describes Gunther as bloody sexy but not with another reviewer who said that it is the only film she had seen where Marius Goring was sexy! Watch him in 'The Man Who Watched Trains Go By' and you might change your mind! It's in colour so you can see his beautiful blue eyes and red hair.

Update 29 December 2020: I finally managed to get a copy of the novel by the Swiss author, Noélle Henry upon which this film is based from a book dealer in Germany. It's called 'Der Abend in her Oper' and was in German, so it took a few days to translate into English. It was well worth the trouble and is as moving as the film.

An English copy HAS BEEN FOUND!

[imbd-184 · 10/10 · 18 March 2014]

So Little Time is the moving WWII tale of a 20 year-old girl (Maria Schell) in occupied Belgium who falls in love with 45 year-old German commandant (Marius Goring). The movie is based on the novel 'Je Ne Suis Pas Une Heroine' ('I Am Not A Heroine') by Noelle Henry. As others have said, a German-dubbed version of the movie was released on DVD but the original English-language version was (bizarrely) never included. The German DVD title for the movie is 'Wenn Das Herz Sprecht' ('When The Heart Speaks').

I definitely share the pain of all those who have searched high and low for this movie. My own search for it has taken over 5 long years and, among many things, even included contacting descendants of the starring actors.

BUT NOW, some GREAT NEWS! A copy of the original English version has now been found! If you are interested, get in touch.

Rob

So Much to Offer

[alanpriest-53916 · 9/10 · 24 June 2020]

I saw this little gem of a film for the first time today and was not let down. Beautiful storyline and brilliantly acted by Marius Goring and the stunning Maria Schell who perhaps deserved an Oscar for her efforts. The story seemed to be told from almost a neutral viewpoint and, though largely set in a couple of rooms never allowed itself to become claustrophobic. One of those films which will always stay with you and leaves you wondering why it is so rarely seen. Once again, thank you Talking Pictures TV.

great photography from ossie Morris but story risible

[malcolmgsw · 5/10 · 22 October 2017]

I have just finished the excellent autobiography by Oswald Morris who was the Director of Photography on this film.He does a really excellent job,and is the only noteworthy aspect of this risible story.It stretches credulity beyond breaking point to believe that Goring would have a relationship with Schell.Goring is quite good as the officer but Schell is quite wearing as the girl.

unforgettable WWII love story

[deborah-millan · 13 September 2007]

I saw this film in the very early 60s on a NYC local channel that broadcast a show called Million Dollar Movie, in which the same film was shown every single night for one week. I was 13 or 14 and my mother was away, so I was free to watch it every night, which I did! (She would have scoffed at my teary romanticism.) All its elements -- WW II, resistance fighters, family betrayal, sympathetic German officer and a beautiful and conflicted young woman -- combined to make an unforgettable film. I have never forgotten it, remembering very specific scenes to this day, and I too would give anything to have a copy of it. My daughter lives in Germany, perhaps she can get me the German edition (even tho it is dubbed).

On TV

[asum86 · 9/10 · 9 July 2020]

Reading reviews I would just like to say this has been shown in the UK on Talking Pictures 2020. They normally repeat showings which I'm hoping for as for some reason while sleeping my recorder stopped recording 71 minutes into the film so I don't know the ending. Well worth a viewing

Love in a time of madness

[australiafelix · 9/10 · 9 May 2017]

Just watched this almost forgotten masterpiece on Gem, Australia's free-to-air digital channel. I'm reeling from the fact this British production was made in 1952 - seven years after the war ended. It must have shocked many people of my grandparent's generation, who fought the Nazis in WWII. Gunther tells Nicole, 'There is no war, only you and me.' But is that truly possible? Her father has been executed by the Nazis. Members of my family - civilians - lost their lives at Japanese hands during the invasion of Rabaul in January 1942. If I had been in the same situation as Nicole, could I have fallen in love with a Japanese officer through a shared passion for say ... T'ang era poetry? I very much doubt it. I visit Japan often, I love Japanese culture, but it's impossible to forget what happened to my family in Rabaul. 'Forgive, but never forget girl,' as my 92 year old great-uncle said to me not long before he died.

So ... on one level, So Little Time is about a profoundly ethical question: is it treason to love one's enemy during war? On another, it is about the most fatal kind of fatal romance: when enemies fall in love. Both parties know it will end badly, but ... the heart wants what the heart wants. Was it Plato who said love is a kind of madness? For that reason Schell and Goring are compelling and believable as Nicole and Gunther - particularly Goring, who struggles with his feelings for Nicole. The film also makes it clear that like many Wehrmacht German officers at that time, Gunther perceives himself as a professional soldier, not a Nazi. We realise this in the final scene.

I was deeply moved by this film. It helped me to understand why so many women fell in love with German soldiers during the occupation of France etc during WWII. Gunther is bloody sexy! Until I watched So Little Time, I don't think I really understood, because my family's experience in New Guinea skewed my judgment. Unless we are in that situation, we don't know what we would do - except hope that reason would prevail.

Jawdroppingly brilliant

[fieryangel2 · 9/10 · 22 October 2020]

Watched this casually not impressed by the title and am just overwhelmed by its emotion and power . One of the most powerful films about the lunacy of war and blind patriotism . Beautifully lit and shot , wonderfully designed and acted throughout .. unbearably romantic but brutally real in its tragedy . Maria Schell is spellbinding in her tremulous beauty and Goring is terrifying as the artist blunted by the idiocy of armed service Amazing !

A haunting love story.You'll fall in love with Maria Schell

[estrunkis · 12 January 2003]

I can't recall when I first saw this movie but I didn't soon forget it.Without a doubt one of Maria Schell's greatest roles.Marius Goring was also great in his role.And an uncharacteristic part for him.I only wish it was available on video.

So Little Time - Special Story of its Time

[krocheav · 9/10 · 15 February 2021]

Surprisingly well-produced British film has a superior story and performances with strikingly good- looking Oswald Morris (Guns of Navarone) cinematography. Director Compton Bennett proves he is well up to the task of turning out a superior movie and his talented cast never let him down. Striking German actress Maria Schell gives a thoughtful turn as Nicole, a young girl livening in war-torn Brussels whose family home is requisitioned to provide a residence for a top-ranking German Colonel - bringing unavoidable human complications to all concerned. Marius Goring is perfect as the German.

Unfortunately, the wartime themes explored by this picture were considered controversial at the time of its initial release so was not as well-received as it deserved to be - but plays well today. The re-mastered Network/Studio Canal DVD offers bright clear images and good sound - recommended for lovers of quality British drama.

BRILLIANT film, where can I buy it?

[prof-10 · 10 May 1999]

I saw this film years ago and was VERY impressed.

The plot is unusual in that it depicts a sympathetic relationship between an invading German officer and a Belgian girl.

I'd give anything to know why this film seems not to be available.