A Brilliant Conflict

If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

Your blood may run cold, but you now find yourself pinioned to the story.

Worth seeing just to witness how winsome it is.

Wicked Derrick De Mornay (Uncle Silas) and his partner in crime Katina Paxinou (Madame de la Rougierre) spend the film trying to get their hands on the fortune left to Jean Simmons (Caroline). The setting is a large Gothic mansion with its fireplaces, corridors and general spooky largeness. Cousin Manning Whiley (Dudley) is yet another family member who is part of the plot to get the dough out of Simmons.It's a peculiar film in that it combines menace with humour. De Marney is more of a cartoon comedy character – he's evil but with a nod and a wink. As for Katina Paxinou, she is brilliant. She is scary but provides hilarious moments, especially her fondness for a swig of brandy! However, whilst these characters are the standout baddies, they don't quite work in the context of the film's themes because they are so amusing. Paxinou does manage to carry off evil but it's a friendly kind of evil. It is her appearance and her costumes which are the most disturbing aspect to her character. She's brilliant and the film's clear favourite character. Simmons, whilst OK, needs to grow a pair. She's too nice for too long.The film is actually pretty slow at the beginning – where is it going? And there are a few scenes that drag, particularly the dance sequence where everyone is gossiping. I'm afraid it's just tedious. For a spooky film it isn't very spooky – only Paxinou scores on this front. Thank goodness for Paxinou. And pass the wine – straight out of the bottle, please. Ha ha.

This picture gets off to a very slow start as the director and screenwriter laboriously set the table for events to come. Carolyn Ruthyn (Jean Simmons) is heiress to her father's fortune, and upon his demise is sent to live with his brother, eccentric Uncle Silas. Matters take some nasty turns as Uncle Silas turns out to be a rotter.The film really picks up steam with the appearance of Katina Paxinou as the governess-from-hell, who is an arresting presence and lights up the screen in every scene she is in. She lends credence to a movie which limps along without her and elevates the acting level, which is remarkably pedestrian save for Jean Simmons. I felt Derrick De Marney as Uncle Silas was too finicky and lacked menace, and was not a good choice for the role. The director finally gets the Gothic feel of the story correct from midpoint on in the scenes at Unlce Silas' estate, and from here the story becomes tense and suspenseful.If you can find it, "The Inheritance" is well worth your time, chiefly for the two female leads who carry the picture. The first half is a chore, but stick with it and you will be rewarded with an exciting 90 minutes - more, if you can find an uncut British version.

British film-adaptation of Sheridan Le Fanu's novel "Uncle Silas" stars Jean Simmons as a 16-year-old orphan in 1845 England who is menaced by her nefarious uncle and his scheming partner, the girl's former governess, over the fortune her late father willed to her. Exceptionally handsome Two Cities Films production is full of cobwebs, castles and dark corridors, however the hysterical damsel-in-distress plot doesn't really hold together. Simmons nearly makes for a dandy target, but too often she moves lethargically (with her hands covering her face). Far better are Derrick De Marney and Katina Paxinou as the villains of the piece, with Paxinou taking her wicked witch role to its zenith (the film nearly dies for a spell when she is off the screen). More obvious now than it must have been in 1947, the story exposition at the beginning is clumsy and Charles Frank's direction is occasionally stilted or unsure. Still, there are pleasures to be had for those in the requisite silly spirit, and Robert Krasker's gorgeous cinematography is a feast for the eyes. **1/2 from ****

I saw this film years ago on TV & enjoyed it. This is the story of a young navive woman whose about to learn just how dastardly her uncle really is & how he'll stop at nothing to satisfy his greed. The only thing about this film I don't like: never went to video. However, the BBC did a remake of it called "The Dark Angel" with Peter O'Toole.