Reminiscent of Jean Cocteau's Beauty and the Beast, this intriguing gothic romance marked the directorial debut of Terence Young (From Russia with Love; Dr. No; Mayerling, 1968). begins in post-World War I Italy, where an artist becomes obsessed with a woman in a Renaissance-era painting. Imagining himself to be the reincarnation of her lover, the wealthy eccentric returns to London to make over his mansion in 16th-century Venetian fashion and search for his lady's modern counterpart. Impressed by his charms, a young British beauty is eager to play the part, even dress in period costume. The fantasy unravels, however, as the darkness of the artist's vision is revealed. Like Cocteau before him, Young treats viewers to a dream world created with lavish sets, exquisite cinematography, and the mesmerizing music of Georges Auric.

Starring:

Alan Wheatley, Barbara Mullen, Bruce Belfrage, Christopher Lee, Eric Portman, Gordon McLeod, Hugh Latimer, Hugh Sinclair, Joan Maude, John Penrose, Leslie Weston, Lois Maxwell, Mavis Villiers, Noel Howlett, Susanne Gibbs, Thora Hird, Valentine Dyall

Genre:

Drama, Mystery