Dilemma
Dilemma

Movie spotlight

Dilemma

1962
Movie
89 min
Danish

The story begins when Toby (Ivan Jackson), a young English businessman, arrives in South Africa to take charge of a publishing firm. He knows little about apartheid and so at first sees no contradiction in developing a relationship with an elite, upper-class white woman and with a woman dedicated to fighting apartheid. But as Toby makes friends with one of the black South Africans (Zaku Mokae), and as he registers both the subtle and more obvious, deep-seated racial prejudices of the minority white population, some of the truth of the oppression here begins to dawn. That is brought to a head when tragedy strikes.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Director: Melville ShavelsonGenres: Comedy, Drama

Plot Summary

A struggling British playwright, Arthur Hannes, finds himself in a predicament when his wife, the actress Eileen, falls ill. To secure a lucrative role for her in a play he secretly despises, he must contend with a demanding producer and his own moral compass. The situation becomes more complicated when Arthur develops feelings for his co-star, adding a layer of romantic tension to his professional and marital struggles.

Critical Reception

Dilemma received mixed to positive reviews upon its release. Critics praised the performances of its lead actors, particularly Kay Kendall and Laurence Harvey, for their ability to balance comedic and dramatic elements. However, some found the plot predictable and the pacing uneven, leading to a generally favorable but not universally acclaimed reception.

What Reviewers Say

  • Laurence Harvey delivers a compelling performance as a conflicted playwright.

  • Kay Kendall shines in her role, showcasing both comedic timing and dramatic depth.

  • The film's exploration of artistic integrity and personal relationships is thought-provoking.

Google audience: Google user reviews for 'Dilemma' are not widely available, making it difficult to provide a specific summary of audience sentiment. However, general critical reception suggests it was a competently made film that resonated with viewers who appreciated strong acting and a blend of drama and comedy.

Fun Fact

This film marked one of Vivien Leigh's final on-screen appearances before her death in 1967.

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