Review of The Magnificent Ambersons (1942) by Eric H — 04 Jul 2016

While it is not quite perfect, I absolutely loved The Magnificent Ambersons. The story is very interesting, nostalgic and decently paced with a wonderful idea to work from but choppy at times and the tacky happy ending- fault of the executives rather than Welles- is a let down.

On the other hand, Welles's direction is superb, the film with its luscious costumes and settings and striking cinematography is very well made, beautifully scored and intelligently scripted. The characters do engage, and the acting is marvellous with Joseph Cotten and especially Agnes Moorhead faring best.

All in all, a fine movie and my definition of a flawed masterpiece.