Like Hitchcock\u2019s Rebecca, <\/em>Uncle Silas<\/em> is adapted from a novel which places a woman in peril at its heart. Irish novelist Sheridan Le Fanu\u2019s work has been far less adapted for film and television than Daphne Du Maurier\u2019s, however. Most adaptations focus on his novella Carmilla<\/em> \u2013 notably Carl Theodor Dreyer\u2019s Vampyr<\/em> (1932), Roger Vadim\u2019s Blood and Roses<\/em> (1960) and Roy Ward Baker\u2019s Hammer Horror The Vampire Lovers<\/em> (1970). \u00a0Subsequent to the 1947 film version we are showing, Uncle Silas<\/em> also appeared as a 2 part German TV series (Onkel Silas) in 1977 and a British TV 3 parter renamed The Dark Angel<\/em> in 1989 starring Peter O\u2019Toole, Beatie Edney and Jane Lapotaire.<\/p>\n Perhaps the reluctance to adapt Le Fanu is connected to earlier unsuccessful adaptions. \u2018Cane\u2019 reviewed the 1947 film for Variety <\/em>(22nd<\/sup> October, 1947) when it was released in London. The review\u2019s opening line opined that the \u2018[o]nly excuse for this blood-and-thunder meller appears to have been the desire to screen what is alleged to be one of the first thrillers\u2019. This therefore pejoratively implies that melodrama (\u2018meller\u2019) has little merit in and of itself \u2013 especially if it is of the \u2018blood-and-thunder\u2019 variety.<\/p>\n The review continues in an even more negative vein as it opines that the fact \u2018Le Fanu\u2019s novel is still in public demand probably explains why over $1,000,000 was spent on a yarn that should have been allowed to stay on the shelf.\u2019 It outlines the story and rates it \u2018hopeless\u2019. The acting comes in for further criticism as Derrick de Marney \u2018hams all over the place\u2019 and surprise is expressed at the casting Jean Simmons and Katina Paxinou in the main female roles. The film is \u2018labored hokum\u2019 which \u2018can add little to British prestige. It\u2019s not for export.\u2019<\/p>\n We can interestingly contrast this reception of a UK product based on a classic novel to Variety\u2019s <\/em>earlier view on an US production based on a contemporary work. Rebecca<\/em> was positively received by Variety<\/em> (26th<\/sup> March, 1940) with both the film and the source novel praised: \u201cRebecca<\/a>\u2019 is an artistic success\u2026 noteworthy in its literal translation of Daphne du Maurier\u2019s novel to the screen, presenting all of the sombreness and dramatic tragedy of the book in its unfolding\u2019.<\/p>\n While Variety\u2019s<\/em> Uncle Silas<\/em> review is not \u00a0especially complimentary, the review\u2019s closing line perhaps suggests an attitude we can adopt during the screening if the film\u2019s gothic thrills and spills are less than satisfactory: \u00a0the \u2018\u2018[b]est hope for this is to exhibit it as a comic interpretation of a past era\u2019.<\/p>\n Do join us if you can.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" All are very welcome to join us for the second\u00a0 of this term\u2019s Screening and Discussion sessions, which will take place on\u00a0Monday the 8th of February, 5-7pm, in Jarman 7. We will be showing Uncle Silas, also known as The … Continue reading ![\"uncle](\"http:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/melodramaresearchgroup\/files\/2015\/10\/uncle-silas-trade-ad-6489211181_e0ccda9b07.jpg\")
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