The Seventh Veil

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Aug 13, 2018 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. See more

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The Seventh Veil

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