I tried to watch this recently when it was screened by TMC, but the sound was so mushy I couldn't pick up most of the dialog. Too bad really, as it looked to be intriguing. I did hang around long enough, however, to notice the score. Something very strange and haunting there.
Would anyone else care to comment on either of these things?
Just watched this on TV, for the first time.
The score was haunting, and I also liked the way that it was completely at odds with seaside jollity of the opening scenes.
In fact, sound was significant in this film; the noises through the solictors office wall, and the screaming baby next to the gangsters house, for example.
The sound wasn't crystal clear, I have to agree, but it didn't detract overall.
Have to agree on the TCM print. It is very very mushy. And, they now broadcast in HD (though the prints themselves aren't).
I've seen a LOT of British films and I have a very good sound system. So, it's neither a language nor a technical issue on my end. I'd say, conservatively, I missed 25% of the dialogue. I even tried to rewind my DVR at times to little avail.
Question: Are there much better copies out there on DVD or on the internets?
I just watched it on HD TV and have to agree that at times it was difficult to catch all the dialogue.
I'd have to disagree with the first two posters however about the score. At times it seemed to exacerbate the audio problems and IMO intrude into the onscreen action, rather than enhance it.
For example it didn't make a great deal of sense to me in trying to hear a conversation in a pub with all it's realistic background noises and this rather odd, classical score playing on top of all that.
Still I have to add that the movie is worth a look. Richard Attenborough gives a chilling performance.