Gone to Earth
Gone to Earth

Movie spotlight

Gone to Earth

1950
Movie
111 min
English

Hazel Woods, a beautiful and young Welsh girl, lives a wild, rustic life and loves animals — in particular, her pet fox. She is hotly desired by Jack Reddin, a fox hunting squire who vies for her affection and pursues her, despite the purer amorous intentions of the local pastor.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes60%
Director: Michael Powell and Emeric PressburgerGenres: Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

Set in the borderlands of Shropshire, England, the film follows the story of Hazel Wood, a beautiful and willful young woman living with her strict Baptist aunt. Hazel dreams of a romantic life and finds herself torn between two men: the passionate local squire, Jack Reddin, who represents a more earthy and sensual existence, and the reserved local vicar, Charles, who offers spiritual solace. Her choices lead to tragic consequences as she navigates societal expectations and her own desires.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'Gone to Earth' received mixed reviews. While Jennifer Jones's performance was often praised, the film's narrative and operatic style were divisive among critics. It was a commercial disappointment in Britain but found a more appreciative audience in some international markets, particularly with those drawn to its lush visuals and dramatic intensity.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its striking Technicolor cinematography and Jennifer Jones's committed performance.

  • Criticized for its melodramatic tone and somewhat overwrought narrative.

  • Seen as a visually rich but thematically uneven entry in the Powell and Pressburger filmography.

Google audience: Audience reception information from Google Reviews is not readily available for this older film.

Fun Fact

The film was shot in Technicolor, and director Michael Powell was particularly keen on capturing the beauty of the Shropshire landscape, utilizing the vibrant colors to enhance the film's emotional and dramatic impact.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

The opening slide names both Sir Alexander Korda and David O. Selznick which though impressive, rather sums up this somewhat confused romantic adventure. Jennifer Jones is "Hazel", a young girl at one with nature - particularly "Foxy", her ...

Youtube Reviews

6 videos