Four sisters, their bittersweet loves and disappointments in wartime (World War II) New Zealand face the sort of sibling rivalries and fears that were amply demonstrated a century ago in "Little Women". This time, of course, the morals of the time and the conventions have changed drastically but we get only a superficial examination of these sisters and a rather uneven film with a storyline that is vaguely defined. Even a wonderful actor like Paul Newman is unable to make his character totally convincing.
Of the sisters, Jean Simmons and Joan Fontaine do superior work (although Fontaine's role is given scant screen footage) while Sandra Dee and Piper Laurie seem "wrong" for their respective roles as a sub-teen and a bitter harlot. Laurie, in particular, has a habit of letting her American accent dominate and plays her role in a strictly unsympathetic manner.
Strange to find that the story is based on a James Michener tale. It's also a surprise to find that Robert Wise directed this sudsy soaper. It has some genuinely moving moments and is interesting mainly for the casting of Joan Fontaine as the eldest sister. Too bad her role wasn't expanded instead of too much focus on Jean Simmons. Fontaine gives the film her special brand of sensitivity and looks very fetching.
Of the sisters, Jean Simmons and Joan Fontaine do superior work (although Fontaine's role is given scant screen footage) while Sandra Dee and Piper Laurie seem "wrong" for their respective roles as a sub-teen and a bitter harlot. Laurie, in particular, has a habit of letting her American accent dominate and plays her role in a strictly unsympathetic manner.
Strange to find that the story is based on a James Michener tale. It's also a surprise to find that Robert Wise directed this sudsy soaper. It has some genuinely moving moments and is interesting mainly for the casting of Joan Fontaine as the eldest sister. Too bad her role wasn't expanded instead of too much focus on Jean Simmons. Fontaine gives the film her special brand of sensitivity and looks very fetching.