A fine, forgotten film!

What a treat to discover this relatively unknown film starring the great Alan Bates, Glenda Jackson, Julie Christie, and a remarkable Ann Margaret, in one of her more subtle roles. The period "between-the-wars" is ripe for great story-telling, especially when adopted from novels. The adjustment of the "Return of the Soldier" is carried off well by Alan Bates. There is the unspoken feeling that things will end as they do in the film. The bittersweet sadness of regret and acceptance finally advance in such a way that it is felt more than stated. This is the quality that makes a film good in my opinion. The score by Sir Richard Rodney Bennett is excellent, and adds to the overall emotional feel of the film. Unfortunately, a full OST soundtrack CD was never made. The good news is that there is a compilation CD that has 8 tracks from the film. That CD is "Love from a Stranger: Four British Film Scores". It is reported that this little film did not do well at the box office in 1982, (due to a "let-down" ending) and hence fell into obscurity, but don't let that sway you. If you like English period pieces, this one is good enough for 'Masterpiece Theatre'.