Brando as a charismatic outcast at a manor in Victorian Britain
At the turn of the century in Victorian England, two orphans are raised at a remote manor by a beautiful governess (Stephanie Beacham), but a free-spirited gardener taints their upbringing and the governess’ virtue (Marlon Brando). Thora Hird plays the old biddy housekeeper.
"The Nightcomers" (1971-1972) is a prequel to “The Turn of the Screw,” the 1898 novella by Henry James, which was made into the B&W classic movie with Deborah Kerr, “The Innocents” (1961). While James’ original story is low-key Gothic horror with ghostly elements, this proposed sequel is a drama about the corruption of youth at an English estate with some edgy parts.
It combines the setting & situation of “The Secret Garden” (1993) with the disturbing corrupting-of-age elements of "Last Summer" (1969) and "The Sailor who Fell from Grace with the Sea" (1976). This one’s not great like those three movies, but it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re a fan of the classic story, Marlon and Stephanie or the themes trip your trigger. The last act is worth the wait.
IMHO it’s on par with the better known “The Innocents” and is less ambiguous. Of course this is not the official prequel to James’ story (since no such prequel exists), but simply a possible interpretation or alternative interpretation by the filmmakers.
Brando was almost 47 during shooting and just past his physical prime, although he wasn’t overweight yet (maybe a few extra pounds, but that’s about it). Of course Beacham was one of the loveliest women to grace the Earth at the time. Meanwhile Verna Harvey as the girl Flora was actually 18 during shooting (a couple months shy of 19), but the filmmakers did an excellent job of making her look 13-14. I think they legally required an adult for the role for obvious reasons.
Marlon’s mumbling can be hard to discern so I suggest utilizing the subtitles if they’re available.
The film runs 1 hour, 36 minutes, and was shot at Sawston Hall, Sawston, Cambridgeshire, England, and the Cherry Hinton Chalk Pits north of there, both are located southeast of Cambridge.
GRADE: B-/B
