Review of The Magnificent Ambersons (1942) by Mark S — 07 Jul 2009

Overrated by many critics, perhaps due to Welles's standing at the point in time that this film was made, The Magnificent Ambersons is nevertheless an interesting specimen. The camera work for the film is great, and the acting, particularly that of Agnes Moorehead, is engaging and memorable.

But the film dithers in parts and feels incomplete in others. If RKO had given Welles full artistic licence then his version could have been great, but as it is this heavily edited version is merely good.