I am delighted to learn (if it comes to pass) that this film will finally be released on DVD. I don’t look forward to so called “extras,” as I find they are mostly re-gurgitated tales and publicity pablum of doubtful veracity. Of course, an interview with Patricia Laffan would be an entirely different matter. Laffanettes can find some interesting pictures of her at Britishpathe.com - a movie themed quiz show from 1956 and a fashion show from 1959. I have done some informal research on her and she seems to have disappeared.

My understanding, from information published in Films in Review, is that the film ran 186 minutes in previews, 171 minutes for roadshow engagements – Bosley Crowther’s New York Times review notes a running time “just shy of three hours,” -- and 168 minutes for general release. Evidently, there was an intermission. The overture is a warmed over version of the first Lygia love scene, with a “big” introduction.


Alex Goldstein