Newly readmitted to the ranks of bankable Hollywood stars, Ingrid Bergman—a love affair with director Roberto Rossellini while they were both already married caused a massive scandal—plays a fictional version of herself; A famous actress, who publicly admits she’s willing to give up her career for the man she loves.
On the rebound from a failed romance, London stage star Anna Kalman (Bergman) returns to London early, deserting a vacation in Majorca, much to the surprise of her sister (Phyllis Calvert) and brother-in-law (Cecil Parker). Afraid Anna is depressed, they insist she go to a banquet with them; better yet, she can accompany the evening’s featured speaker. One look at the debonair international financier Philip Adams (Grant) and Anna has no choice but to say yes.
Predictably, the two hit it off immediately, but there’s one problem. Philip is in a marriage he can’t get out of. Philip takes a NATO job in Paris to be near Anna, jetting to London on the weekends to see her. He even rents an extra flat in Anna’s building for propriety’s sake. Released in 1958, Donen and Krasna their courtship as long, intimate dinners in empty clubs and extended conversations over the phone while both are in bed. Any kisses or other intimate activities are left for of camera. Nonetheless, their body language completely suggests that sex is a big part of the relationship.
After a wonderful season together, Anna’s sister and brother-in-law discover that Philip is simply pretending to be married and having an affair. Given Bergman’s personal history, you have to think this was kind of a “nudge, nudge, wink, wink” reworking of events aimed at the folks who were her harshest critics during the Rossellini affair. Whether that played on the filmmakers minds or not, Indiscreet is must-see viewing for fans of Ingrid Bergman. In nearly every scene, whatever she’s feeling is immediately evident on her face. Cary Grant’s effortless charm is running at full speed here and his chemistry with Bergman is undeniable. It’s not a stretch at all, to believe that these two people are deeply in love.
Presented in 1.78:1 aspect ratio, Olive Films’ transfer is the best yet. While there isn’t much in the way of scratches or dirt on the print, colors are decidedly muted in spots. The overall resolution is a tad soft for an HD transfer, but the overall master still looks very good. Since all other transfers of this film have been pretty dismal, Olive has done a great job improving a previously substandard looking presentation.
The DTS-HD Master is in mono. While it won’t blow anyone away, it still serves the film well. An occasional tininess crops up, but overall dialogue is understandable throughout.
No subtitles are available.
No special features are included.
