I think it’s fair to say that some actors, especially female ones, find their talent is sometimes overshadowed by (a press obsession with) their looks. Julie Christie was an icon of the swinging sixties. Whilst her ability was recognised with a number of awards, including an Oscar for Darling, she never really shook-off her status as an ‘it girl’. Which is frustrating as she was one of the best actresses of her generation.
At the turn of the twentieth century, Leo (Dominic Guard) is spending his summer holidays at the Norfolk home of a wealth schoolfriend, Marcus (Richard Gibson). When he’s taken ill, Leo is left to his own devices and befriends Marcus’ older sister, Marian (Julie Christie). Whilst her parents want her to marry the estate owner, Viscount Trimingham (Edward Fox), she’s involved in a secret affair with a neighbouring farmer, Ted Burgess (Alan Bates). He willingly volunteers to take covert messages between them.
The Go-Between is a period romance which pits money versus love in a tale as old as the sea. Whilst Marian’s and Ted’s love can seem a stretch on the face of it, it’s the intercession of Leo which allows their characters to become fully formed. There’s great acting all round and a script which feels both authentic and slightly edgy. The Go-Between is one of Joseph Losey’s best films and a powerful relationship drama.
Extras:
- NEW Interview with Dominic Guard
- Anglia local news 31/07/1970 – featuring location report and i/vs with Julie Christie, Joseph Losey & Margaret Leighton
- Behind the scenes stills gallery
- Original Trailer
- Interview with Josh Losey
- Interview with Patricia Losey
- Michael Billington on Harold Pinter
- Interview with Gerry Fisher
- Interview with John Heyman
- Horlicks Television advert directed by Joseph Losey
Newly restored, The Go-Between is released on DVD, Blu-Ray and Digital Download by Studiocanal as part of their Vintage Classics Collection on 16 September.
