On the colorful Riviera, lonely socialite widow Merle Oberon (as Linda Venning ) is attracted to handsome gambling addict Richard Todd. At a Monte Carlo nightclub, with platonic pal Leo Genn (as Robert Sterling), Ms. Oberon senses Mr. Todd is suicidal after losing his money at the roulette table. The older woman begins to treat the distraught Todd like a gigolo, and he succumbs to her advances. Mr. Genn, who tells the story in flashback, worries about Oberon's relationship with the younger man.
Re-titled "Affair in Monte Carlo" for US audiences, this film had great potential as a psychological drama. This is made most evident in Todd's final confrontation with Oberon, when he draws an interesting parallel between his luck and her presence. Moreover, the use of Genn as a rival for Oberon's affections comes too late. Sadly, the script gives Stefan Zweig's story short shrift. Note the version on TreeLine Film's "Hollywood Legends" is in black-and-white, robbing the picture of an obvious strength.
**** 24 Hours of a Woman's Life (9/10/52) Victor Saville ~ Merle Oberon, Richard Todd, Leo Genn, Stephen Murray
Re-titled "Affair in Monte Carlo" for US audiences, this film had great potential as a psychological drama. This is made most evident in Todd's final confrontation with Oberon, when he draws an interesting parallel between his luck and her presence. Moreover, the use of Genn as a rival for Oberon's affections comes too late. Sadly, the script gives Stefan Zweig's story short shrift. Note the version on TreeLine Film's "Hollywood Legends" is in black-and-white, robbing the picture of an obvious strength.
**** 24 Hours of a Woman's Life (9/10/52) Victor Saville ~ Merle Oberon, Richard Todd, Leo Genn, Stephen Murray