James MasonThe Seventh Veil

Ohhhhh what we could make of James Mason's performance by today's standards! I shudder to think of it really but let's not go there....let us go back to 1946, when this film was released. For it's time it was a dark, yet highly entertaining and popular, well received film! The casting of Ann Todd as Francesca Cunningham and James Mason, as Nicholas in the all important roles make it a must see for fans. She is the orphaned and innocent young girl who lives her life through and loves the piano and he, the embattled, embittered cripple of a man who is a distant cousin thrice removed who becomes her guardian. Hers was not at all a wonderful existence under his female despising, confirmed bachelor's thumb and yet, it is he that molds her into the world renowned concert pianist she becomes. His tutelage borders on the cruel and yet, he has a saving grace. Through the years of training and giving his life to her success we see a love, of sorts, develop. As Francesca comes of age she discovers, much to her surprise, she is an attractive young woman. An older fellow student and already established musician falls in love with her and she with him. Nicholas soon sees to it that nothing will come between his vision of her true place in life and he takes her away from him, escaping to Europe for further instruction and concert success. Through the years, however, another love finds her and she is set to elope with him when an automobile accident befalls them. Francesca has had her hands burned in the wreck and it is her hands she has been so frightened of injuring ever since they were caned when she was a girl in boarding school for a small infraction of the rules and who could not, then, compete in an important competition at school for a musical scholarship! Francesca is so distraught and worried for her hands she attempts suicide and it is from this failed attempt we first meet her psychiatrist, Dr. Larsen, who is very amply played by the wonderful actor, Herbert Lom, Since her attempt she has become semi-comatose and he cannot reach her. He wishes to bring her back to reality through hypnosis but must first elicit the consent of Nicholas, her only known relation and mentor. What Dr. Larsen discovers through this hypnosis brings the three men in her life back together under the same roof...for this is from where her underlying problem actually stems. Francesca must not only find her hands are indeed intact and can still play but she also, against all odds, must discover who it is she truly loves and wishes to be together with for her lifetime. It is here, dear reader, that I will leave you to discover, who it is to be...for this is a must see film of Academy Award proportions!

Although some viewers rate this as a Romance, it's not--though it's a very compelling film about the impact of relationships on an individual's life and health. The film is a fascinating psychological study, which may sound dull, but there's a constant undercurrent of tension and struggle throughout. The one thing that saves the film is the beautiful classical music, which gives the main character's life a purpose she otherwise wouldn't have found. She's a teenager when the film starts and slowly she grows into adulthood, focusing on her work, driven by her guardian to value her gift above all things. Although James Mason's character seems cold and unkind, in the end it becomes clear that he has given her life meaning. Over time her looks might fade, but her talents would enrich her life and the lives of those around her. Finally she comes to appreciate that--and him.

This is a beautiful story about a gifted pianist dominated by an apparently ruthless uncle. He forces her to stay focused on her talent and molds her into a great concert pianist. She is distracted by shallow love affairs but in the end cannot deny her love of playing and the love of her 'ruthless' uncle. The clash between her genius, her lovers and her uncle caused psychological probems which are sorted out by a pschologist. The story unfolds on his couch as he penetrates the 'seventh veil' to cure the cause of her troubles. What makes the film a classic is the brilliant acting of Ann Todd and James Mason. This film could never be remade because it is impossible to improve on perfection. It's in black and white and of VHS quality. I can't understand why Criterion hasn't produced a refurbished DVD version. I'm sure some day they, or someone else, will. In the mean time the VHS version is a must for your classical library.

I first saw this movie in the late 40's and was mesmerized by it as a young teenager. Years passed and then came the age of VHS's. I found a copy and was thrilled once again to be able to watch it. I am now 84 years old and what to my surprise, I was able to download it to my Kindle Fire. My enthusiasm for this movie is still there. It is a poignant love story, suspenseful, and the classical music inspirational. What a refreshing change to hear GOOD music of substance throughout. I am thrilled to have lived long enough to know my favorite movie has been preserved all this time. Along the same line is "Madonna of the Seven Moons," which I was able to watch for the first time in over 60 years this week (thanks to my Kindle). Life is good! Have patience!

It was a good oldie but goodie

This is one of James Mason's early films from the era where he was a rising star in Britain, and it is one of his best. Ann Todd is wonderful also, and the movie tracks their relationship from guardian/ward to, eventually, love and yet it is chaste and done well with the mores of the 1940's. If you are a Mason fan, this is one of his best. It is only available on streaming video, and I wish they would restore this film to DVD, but if you are a member of Amazon Prime, you can watch the movie with unlimited streaming using the Amazon online video system. Wonderful performances, well worth watching.

Would have loved it except for the ending in which an amazing women reverts to choosing her abuser. That part really sucked altho that mentality of the era totally informs and supports the dysfunctional idea that people should love their abusers, no matter what destruction/damage the abusers cause.

A grand romance of a film that will stir every female's heart. And its not a bad movie, lead by James Mason it has a great cast and is compelling viewing. Although the men in the audience may start to squirm before it is over, "The Seventh Veil" is a classic film romance that should be seen by everyone.

There is not much to add to what other reviewers have said except to say that in addition to the excellent main feature film there is the added advantage on this DVD of a superb Bonus where Mason takes us to the place of his birth, Huddersfield. This bonus is an marvellous documentary about the industrial past which made the city great and a useful commentary and illustration of industries which seemed permanent but have since declined to the point of extinction. Also well put together trailers of other releases.

The Seventh Veil stands up very well even after 68 years. I first saw it when I was ten and must have seen it since a dozen times. I know every line in the script and I was pleased to see it still is as gripping and moving as it was then.

This film is in black and white, which in my view, draws you into the story and allows one to listen more intently. The pace of the film allows one to study each character. The music is wonderful - I love it !!

This is one of the best movies ever made - one of the first (if NOT the first) to approach the music therapy as a way to heal the psyche. It has been being part of my life since i was 12. Great music played by the fabulous pianist Eileen Joyce .

I purchased this after the rave reviews, it was ok, predictable. James masons my cousin Rachel is to be recommended.