Reviewers either greatly admire or totally dismiss Van Johnson's presence and acting ability,never more so than in this movie.In one of his last interviews,he selected this as one of the works he was most proud of and I can understand why.As the story unwinds,over an eight year period,Van's performance takes us on a journey from a keen,love-smitten man through to a repentant,lonely one.His penultimate scene with Donna Reed really hits home,as we measure his helpless pleas against her stubborn bitterness.I'm genuinely moved each time I watch it,just as I am with the following moment when her husband (very nicely played by George Dolenz) awakens her to the sad truth.I don't want to give away any more than that.Donna Reed is very impressive in a role that's not easy to warm to. Elizabeth Taylor is at the height of her beauty and her performance is quite pleasing.As already mentioned,the only available DVD's of "The Last Time I Saw Paris" are of the poorest quality.With a re-mastered edition,I believe this entertaining movie could attract a whole new following.It's such a romantic title and that can't be denied.
Review of The Last Time I Saw Paris
