- Dir: Julia Taylor-Stanley
- Cast: Zoe Tapper, David Leon, Andrew Lincoln, Mark Umbers, Terence Stamp, Angelica Houston
Thank god for Terence Stamp! Without him, this old fashioned romance/drama by director Julia Taylor-Stanley, would be one of this years more easily forgettable films.
These Foolish Things, based on Noel Langley's novel, 'There's A Porpoise Close Behind Us,' tells the tale of struggling actress Diana Shaw, as she attempts to emulate her mother's own glittering stage career by trying to break into the theater scene of 1930s London. Not only does Shaw find she is competing against a glut of actresses for the few parts on offer, but she also has to contend with two dastardly cousins trying to thwart her plans at every turn.
The romance part of the story kicks in early, as Diana falls for a struggling play-write, which in turn becomes much more complicated when she also falls for a struggling theater director (apparently in the 30s everyone was either struggling or filthy rich). This ends up creating a bit of a love triangle, but unfortunately it is one with all the passion of a lifeless squid.
But everything is not lost as the film's main redeeming feature comes in the performances of its older and more experienced cast-members. Amongst this older generation of actors, Terence Stamp's star shines the brightest. Stamp plays a butler named Baker, who's biting one-liners and off-the-cuff remarks steal the show and almost make it worth shelling out the price of a ticket for.
This film also delves into some of the seedier aspects of London's high society and should prove to be something of an eye-opener, especially to those who thought that all there was to do in the 1930s was to sit around eating prawn-sandwiches all day while abusing the hired help. I must also admit that in terms of setting and costume-design, the British do these period dramas better than anyone and this is no exception. However, great sets and costumes alone, do not necessarily mean a great film, but if it were a film based on Baker the Butler - now that would be entertaining!
6/10
