The cast is the only real reason for watching this tedious talkfest between Kirk Douglas and whoever will listen after he botches suicide attempt and reevaluates his life. Very nicely produced, but sets and style contribute only so much to a film. A hook that involves the audience is sadly lacking here. The principal performers deserve better.
Rated R approx: film running-time 127 minutes
1969

______________________________________________________________

And we'll talk about Deborah Kerr's starring role in an Oldtime Ghost Tale - "THE INNOCENTS". . .
It's amazing how a black and white horror motion picture with practically no special effects can scare the wits out of you.

The beautiful, venerable and lovable Deborah Kerr frightens me with her superb performance that convinces me that indeed there is a presence in the manor. Note that the apparition of Quint was almost too quick for the eye to catch. As for the weeping ghost of Miss Jessel, only the atmospheric photography and the wide-eyed expression of Deborah conveys a terrifying presence. "The INNOCENTS" hols the attention, largely because of Jack Clayton's (I'm gonna miss his work) - able direction and Deborah Kerr's very skillful acting. She was careful to provide suggestions which lead the mind either way - to the old-fashioned "GHOST" interpretation, or to the conviction that we are watching the psychopathic fantasies of an unmarried woman past the prime of youth - (I'm gonna get mail here . . . I know it, I can feel it) !
This motion picture is certainly helped by good performances from Megs Jenkins as Mrs. Grose, and that evil charmer Martin Stephens as Miles. Remember him from "THE VILLAGE OF THE DAMNED?" Sure you do. Pamela Franklin was just superb in her artful charmers ways who confused the muddle with ingenious mischief to heighten the weird reign of uneasiness along with her brother Miles.
Deborah Kerr may win a medal yet for the longest acting role on the screen in the year 1961. In the 20th century-fox roduction of "The Innocents," the star is on screen for 95 of the picture's 99 minutes of running-time. She practically monopolizes the screen during the course of the film, for even though there are other players in the cast, they are nearly always within her view as the dramatic story unfolds.

______________________________________________________________