It's somewhat surprising that the 1935 version of Enchanted April is so inferior to the 1991 filming. After all, the earlier April was closer in time to the setting than the remake, and one usually assumes that more modern films will not give such delicate material the appropriate touch. Unfortunately, the reverse is true in this case, with the 1935 April a much coarser and more obvious adaptation of the novel and play. Indeed, for a piece of material that is basically ethereal, director Harry Beaumont and his writing team have treated it in a most heavy-handed and cloddish manner. There's little wit or sparkle, with the comedy for the most part being played in an inappropriately broad manner that rips at the fabric of the piece. The romantic aspects of the film are given a rather pedestrian treatment; there's no magic to the film. The audience sees the change that comes about in the quartet of leading ladies, but it happens all at once rather than gradually, and as a result is lacking in credibility. There's also a lack of atmosphere, thanks in large part to the studio-bound lensing of a picture that cries out for location shooting. The cast tries hard, especially Ann Harding, but only Jessie Ralph truly succeeds in capturing her character. Although this April is not a total loss, the remake is far more enchanting.
by Craig Butler
review
