THE BARRETTS OF WIMPOLE STREET

Color, 106 min.

Released: January 16, 1957 (MGM)

Cast: Jennifer Jones (as Elizabeth Barrett), Bill Travers, John Gielgud, Virginia McKenna

Director: Sidney Franklin
Producer: Sam Zimbalist

Complete Credits at IMDB

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Mr. Edward Barrett (John Gielgud) governs his family with strict regulations and does not allow his children to socialize outside the home.  His invalid daughter, Elizabeth, spends most of her days reading poetry and playing with her beloved dog Flush. She writes to a poet, Robert Browning, whose poetry she has admired and is astonished when he visits her in person.  Mr. Barrett becomes infuriated over the developing relationship between Elizabeth and Robert.  When he refuses Elizabeth's request to move to Italy where her health might improve, Elizabeth and Robert elope.  They move to Italy and continue writing their poetry which will make them famous.

The Barretts Of Wimpole Street had been filmed successfully in 1934 with Norma Shearer, Fredric March and Charles Laughton under the direction of Sydney Franklin.  The remake would be done by the same director, which was unusual. It was an expensive production, filmed in London, and spared no expense when it came to the beautiful dresses that Jennifer wore.  The result was a lovely appealing film, very colorful to look at and well acted by the entire cast.  It was also a financial success at the box office.

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