Let's dismiss for a moment the things everyone is focusing on in reviews: the bizarre number in black face, Joan Crawford's dubbed singing and slightly frightening appearance. I want to focus on the acting.
Watch Crawford's micro-expressions in certain scenes. Like when she's at the piano comparing her version and Tye's version of a song, looking around to see if anyone is watching her. Watch that bedroom scene when she's by herself imitating how she thinks a blind person experiences the world with the clock, the phone, the lighter. And then, after complaining that Sundays are never beautiful, opening the drapes and realizing how blessed she is to see. Knowing what we do about her- her perfectionism, ambition, and vanity-you have to wonder how much the character of Jenny resonated with Joan the person.
Meanwhile, there's the dashing Michael Wilding as Tye Graham. His under-appreciated performance is barely mentioned in any review I've read. I thought he was magnificent. His performance is dignified, subtle, and convincing. I'd never seen him in a film before and was very impressed. He definitely holds his own opposite the intimidating Joan Crawford. The scenes between the two of them are mesmerizing.
So yes, there's plenty to critique about Torch Song, but there's plenty to appreciate too. It was made in 1953, when tone, pace, music and dialogue were different than they are today. I find it entertaining. What more could you want?
Watch Crawford's micro-expressions in certain scenes. Like when she's at the piano comparing her version and Tye's version of a song, looking around to see if anyone is watching her. Watch that bedroom scene when she's by herself imitating how she thinks a blind person experiences the world with the clock, the phone, the lighter. And then, after complaining that Sundays are never beautiful, opening the drapes and realizing how blessed she is to see. Knowing what we do about her- her perfectionism, ambition, and vanity-you have to wonder how much the character of Jenny resonated with Joan the person.
Meanwhile, there's the dashing Michael Wilding as Tye Graham. His under-appreciated performance is barely mentioned in any review I've read. I thought he was magnificent. His performance is dignified, subtle, and convincing. I'd never seen him in a film before and was very impressed. He definitely holds his own opposite the intimidating Joan Crawford. The scenes between the two of them are mesmerizing.
So yes, there's plenty to critique about Torch Song, but there's plenty to appreciate too. It was made in 1953, when tone, pace, music and dialogue were different than they are today. I find it entertaining. What more could you want?