NR | 1h 40m | Drama, Romance | 1958
Like other great stars from Hollywood’s Golden Age, such as James Stewart and Gregory Peck, celebrated actor Burt Lancaster had a vast range that was often underappreciated.
In “Separate Tables” (1958), Lancaster’s role differs from his brash character type in other films. He appears with a star-studded cast, including Deborah Kerr, David Niven, Wendy Hiller, and another mega-star, Rita Hayworth.
Mystery, Misfits, and Melodrama
The melodrama unfolds at the Hotel Beauregard in the town of Bournemouth along England’s southern coast. The hotel hosts an ensemble of eccentric, bizarre, and tortured souls, and is managed under the watchful eye of Pat Cooper (Hiller), who balances kindness with firmness.Niven plays World War II veteran Maj. Angus Pollock, who relentlessly regales the hotel guests with war stories that depict him as a hero in the North African campaign, particularly his supposed exploits in the pivotal Battles of El-Alamein.
One hotel guest gladly listens to his self-glorifying ramblings, Sibyl Railton-Bell (Kerr), a timid young lady who desperately desires to learn more about the world. Her domineering mother, Mrs. Railton-Bell (Gladys Cooper), not only keeps a tight leash on her but seems to want to prevent her daughter from experiencing even the slightest bit of happiness.
The domineering Mrs. Railton-Bell deeply resents Sybil’s friendship with Maj. Pollock, seizing every chance to criticize him. She warns her daughter that everyone in the hotel suspects romantic aspirations between Sybil and the major, fully aware that Sybil dreads the idea of being subjected to gossip and being seen in a negative light.
Adding a spark to the dreary hotel environment is John Malcolm (Lancaster), a hard-drinking writer who brings life and levity to any room he enters. He charms Lady Matheson (Cathleen Nesbitt), Mrs. Railton-Bell’s old friend, with his humorous musings. Despite her stuffy and condescending nature, Mrs. Railton-Bell tolerates his presence only because of Lady Matheson’s fondness for him.
Behind the scenes, John and the hotel’s manager Pat have secretly fallen in love, and are on the verge of announcing their planned wedding. However, their nuptial plans are thrown into jeopardy when high-society American Ann Shankland (Hayworth) suddenly shows up unannounced.
It is soon revealed that Ann and John were once married, and their relationship ended on a very bad note. Despite their tumultuous past, Ann makes it clear early on that she is still interested in John and pursues him at every turn, even though he initially tries to avoid her.
A Melodrama Worth Seeing
Melodramas can often be overwrought and excessively sentimental, but “Separate Tables” defies expectations. With a talented cast and nuanced direction, it managed to intrigue me from its opening scenes.The writing is superb, weaving a character-driven narrative that delves into the complexities of each character. Despite moments of excessive dialogue, the exchanges are rich and thought-provoking, offering fascinating insights into the their motivations and inner workings. Even the most dialogue-heavy scenes are engrossing.
Kerr and Cooper exhibit excellent chemistry, delivering believable performances that bring their characters to life. Kerr convincingly portrays a fearful young woman practically afraid of her own shadow, while Cooper embodies the role of a domineering mother who drains her daughter’s energy like a giant two-legged life leech.
Hayworth and Hiller also share a compelling dynamic, playing two headstrong women vying for the affection of Lancaster’s boozy John. The contrast between them is striking: Hayworth’s Anne is the manipulative seductress who wields her beauty like a weapon, while Cooper’s character exudes a much more grounded demeanor.
“Separate Tables” received numerous Oscar nominations, and it’s clear why. Each nomination was thoroughly earned. The film boasts an array of rich characters and a deeply engaging storyline.
