Watch Escape Me Never
- NR
- 1947
- 1 hr 43 min
-
6.0 (689)
Escape Me Never is a touching drama that explores the complexities of love and passion in the midst of chaos and war. Directed by Peter Godfrey, this 1947 film stars a trio of legendary actors - Errol Flynn, Ida Lupino, and Eleanor Parker - who deliver powerful performances that will leave a lasting impression on viewers. The film is set in Venice during World War II and follows the story of the aspiring composer Sebastian Dubrok (Errol Flynn), who is struggling to make ends meet while pursuing his musical dreams. Despite his poverty, Sebastian falls in love with the beautiful and enigmatic Giovanna (Ida Lupino), a free-spirited woman who is involved in the Resistance movement against the Nazi regime.
Giovanna is conflicted between her love for Sebastian and her duties as a member of the Resistance, which puts her in danger every day. She also has a complicated relationship with her young sister, Leonora (Eleanor Parker), who is infatuated with Sebastian and jealous of her sister's love for him. As Sebastian becomes increasingly involved in the Resistance and Leonora's feelings for him intensify, the situation becomes more complicated and desperate.
The film is poignant and haunting, thanks to the delicate direction of Peter Godfrey and the sublime performances of the three leads. Flynn is surprisingly vulnerable and nuanced as Sebastian, a character that allows him to showcase his range as an actor beyond the swashbuckling roles he was known for. Lupino is also excellent as Giovanna, delivering a complex and sensual performance that captures both the character's strength and her fragility. Parker shines as the conflicted Leonora, and her chemistry with Flynn is palpable.
Escape Me Never is a film that explores themes of love, sacrifice, and human idealism in the face of oppression and violence. The setting of Venice during the war is beautifully captured by cinematographer Sol Polito, who manages to make the city look both romantic and dangerous. The film's score, composed by Erich Wolfgang Korngold, is also worth mentioning, as it creates a hauntingly romantic atmosphere that perfectly complements the story.
The film is not without flaws, however. The pacing is occasionally slow, and some of the scenes feel overwritten and melodramatic. The plot also feels slightly contrived at times, with certain events and twists feeling overly convenient. Despite these shortcomings, it remains a powerful and moving film that is definitely worth watching for fans of classic Hollywood melodramas.
Overall, Escape Me Never is a haunting and romantic film that showcases the talents of its lead actors and director. It explores complex themes of love and sacrifice in a wartime setting, and delivers a poignant message about the enduring power of human idealism in the face of oppression. It may not be a perfect film, but it is definitely one that will leave a lasting impression.
Escape Me Never is a 1947 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 43 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0.