MovieChat Forums > Term of Trial (1962) Discussion > Haven't Seen it Yet, But Plot Reminds Me...

Haven't Seen it Yet, But Plot Reminds Me...

posted 12 years ago by Schmoozette
7 replies | jump to latest

...of "Personal Affair," with Leo Glenn, Gene Tierney, and Glynis Johns. Glenn's character, however, was above reproach, although he made a bad miscalculation in meeting alone with Johns, the student who was smitten with him. Apparently, "Term of Trial" (made almost a decade afterward) is darker and probably more psychologically complex than "Affair," and I'm looking forward to seeing it, although, alas, it's not showing up on Netflix.

BTW, one poster said that this might be the saddest character Olivier ever played. I'd have to see for myself, because, until then, IMO the saddest character he ever played was Archie Rice, in "The Entertainer," which I think is a truly great film.

[–] toshguy 11 years ago

"Term of Trial" reminds me of "Ryan's Daughter". Both movies have Sarah Miles playing a young girl with a crush on teacher which she mistakes for true love. Of course, the two respective films are quite different past that similarity.

Now that you've peaked my curiosity, I will try to find and watch "Personal Affair". It sadly (but perhaps justly) seems to be even more obscure than this hidden gem.

I'm here, Mr. Man, I cannot tell no lie and I'll be right here till the day I die

[–] Schmoozette 11 years ago

The good news: "Personal Affair" can be streamed on Netflix. The "bad" news: "Term of Trial" can be purchased on Amazon, but I can't find where it can be streamed. Hope this info helps!

[–] toto24522 9 years ago

Schmoozette - although this is a few years after your post, try the TCM channel. It's on right now, and may play again.

[–] Schmoozette 9 years ago

This is why we cinephiles have to stick together! Thank you so much for the info. Unfortunately, it was on before I got home from work. However, I'm hoping it shows up online at watchTCM.com - they usually show movies a bit after they're on TV. I had forgotten about this, so I really thank you for the note and reminder! If I can stream it online, I certainly will. BTW, your AEN photo brings back LOTS of memories--happened to mention MAD Magazine to a co-worker today, really!

[–] toto24522 9 years ago

No kidding! Thanks for the quick response. By the way, if you're really serious about seeing it:

http://www.amazon.com/TERM-TRIAL-Laurence-Olivier/dp/B003156IHK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1432344774&sr=8-1&keywords=dvds%2C+term+of+trial

Then sell it on ebay or amazon. I'd say it's one of Lawrence Olivier's best roles. And seeing Sarah Miles and Terrance Stamp when they were so young - wow!

Yup - good old Mad Magazine and Alfred E. Newman with his standard, "What -- me worry?" I used to sneak peek at my older brother's issues when I was around eight years old and got hooked right away. That was fifty two years ago. Haha!

[–] Schmoozette 9 years ago

Thanks for the link--I'm going to hold out for a few days and see if it pops up on watchTCM.com first. I didn't have to "sneak peek" MAD because my whole family was totally into it...and you and I are VERY close in age! Great minds think alike, I s'pose...

[–] Schmoozette 9 years ago

Hey, I finally got to watch it...it was on watchtcm.com, after all. Yeah, that young Terence Stamp, how about him! I have quite a bit to say about the film, but it's very late for me right now. But I'm really glad that I did see it. As sexy as Sarah Miles was, there was no one quite as smokin' as Simone Signoret! How sad that she was only 64 when she died. And Larry's character was certainly a sad case; just about as sad as Archie Rice. I like the "twist" at the end where the only way to keep his wife was to pretend to be something he wasn't.