Watch A Doll's House

In 1959, director Patrick Garland brought Henrik Ibsen's 1879 play "A Doll's House" to the big screen in a beautiful film starring Julie Harris, Christopher Plummer, and Hume Cronyn. The story of "A Doll's House" follows Nora Helmer (Harris), a young housewife in 19th century Norway who has been living a secret life in order to protect her husband Torvald (Cronyn) and save his reputation. As the film begins, we see Nora happily preparing for Christmas with her husband and three children. But as the day goes on, we start to see cracks in their seemingly perfect relationship. Torvald is condescending and domineering, treating Nora like a delicate child and forbidding her from eating sweets. Nora, meanwhile, is hiding a secret loan she took out to save Torvald's life, which she has been repaying in secret through small jobs.

When Torvald's old friend Dr. Rank (Plummer) arrives and reveals that he is terminally ill, Nora sees a chance to get the money to pay off her loan and keep her secret safe. She flirts with Rank and asks him for a loan, but he sees through her and tells her he loves her. This interaction sets off a chain of events that will come to a head on Christmas night, when Nora's secret is revealed and she decides to leave Torvald and their children behind.

The film stays true to Ibsen's original play, with beautiful cinematography and understated acting bringing the story to life. Harris is a revelation as Nora, imbuing the character with a mix of innocence, strength, and ultimately, determination. Plummer is charming and witty as Dr. Rank, and Cronyn plays Torvald with a mix of arrogance and vulnerability.

One of the most interesting aspects of the film is the look at gender roles and societal expectations of the time. Nora is trapped in a world where she is not allowed to work or make decisions for herself, and even her loving husband sees her as little more than a decorative object. The film doesn't shy away from showing the injustices of this system, and Nora's journey to freedom is both empowering and heart-wrenching.

Overall, "A Doll's House" is a must-see for fans of Ibsen's work, as well as anyone interested in examining the roles of women and men in society. With stunning performances and a timeless story, it is a film that will stick with viewers long after the credits roll.