The Browning Version (1951)

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The Browning Version (1951) – A. Asquith

Anthony Asquith’s adaptation of Terrence Rattigan’s play (from the playwright’s own screenplay) is a case study of one man’s failure and self-loathing.  The trick that Asquith pulls off is to wring a measure of sympathy and feeling from viewers for a man who has clearly let himself and those who depended on him down.  The fact that the man is a teacher (at a British public boarding school) makes his failure that much more impactful and public.  Although it is never addressed directly, one has to wonder how Crocker-Harris moved from point A (a brilliant scholar of the classics with a bright future in front of him) to Point B (a hollowed-out disciplinarian who has ceased to inspire students nor to care).  Fortunately, there are no flashbacks here but just Michael Redgrave in torment, as he slowly withdraws from his state of denial and allows himself a full dose of self-realization and, yes, self-loathing, upon the occasion of his retirement due to illness.  Perhaps the most poignant moments in the film come about when we are made privy to Crocker-Harris’s marriage and his wife’s total and utter disregard for his emotions (she openly cheats on him and viciously and cruelly denies him dignity).  We may feel pity but also a sense of grieving for his loss (of everything).  Only a glimmer of hope remains that self-realization can lead to some sort of resurrection --but Asquith wisely keeps that out of the frame.