The Halo Is Slipping
The Halo Is Slipping

Movie spotlight

The Halo Is Slipping

1957
Movie
89 min
Swedish

A secretary at a publishing company, Birgitta, writes a novel, based on her secret love of her boss. She sends it anonymously to her own company, who decides to publish it. The book becomes a success. Birgitta's husband's mistress get hold of the script and confesses that *she* wrote the novel. Plot by Mattias Thuresson.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Director: Terence RattiganGenres: Drama, Mystery

Plot Summary

A young doctor arrives at a remote sanatorium to take over from the outgoing physician, only to find a strange atmosphere and hushed whispers about his predecessor. As he delves deeper, he uncovers a web of secrets, including a suspicious death and an unsettling relationship between a patient and the hospital's matron. The doctor must unravel the truth before he too becomes entangled in the sanatorium's dark past.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'The Halo Is Slipping' received mixed reviews. While some critics praised its atmospheric tension and the performances of its lead actors, particularly Arthur Hill and Virginia McKenna, others found the plot convoluted and the pacing uneven. The film's exploration of psychological drama within a confined setting was noted, but its effectiveness varied among reviewers.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its suspenseful atmosphere and solid acting.

  • Criticized for a sometimes confusing narrative and slow pacing.

  • Notable for its psychological depth and unsettling tone.

Google audience: Audience reception for 'The Halo Is Slipping' is difficult to gauge through readily available Google user reviews, as it is a less widely discussed film from the 1950s. General sentiment suggests appreciation for its moody atmosphere and character-driven drama, though some viewers found the mystery elements less compelling than expected.

Fun Fact

The film is based on the play of the same name by Terence Rattigan, a renowned playwright known for his works like 'The Winslow Boy' and 'Separate Tables'.

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