Submitted by
Malcolm Pratt
I Know Where I'm Going
Review by Thomas M. Pryor
New York Times, August 20th 1947
Written, produced, and directed by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger
Cinematographer, Erwin Hillier
Edited by John Seabourne
Music by Allan Gray
Art designer, Alfred Junge
Released by Universal International Pictures
Black and white
Running time: 91 minutes.
WITH
Wendy Hiller (Joan Webster)
Roger Livesey (Torquil MacNeil)
Finlay Currie (Ruairidh Mor)
Pamela Brown (Catriona)
Valentine Dyall (Mr. Robinson)
Petula Clark (Cheril)
Walter Hudd (Hunter)
George Carney (Mr. Webster)
Duncan Mackechnie (Captain Lochinvar)
The Archers, which is a corporate way of saying Michael Powell and Emeric
Pressburger, have scored another bulls-eye. Last week this English writing-directing
team gave us the artistically exciting Black Narcissus. Yesterday they sent
to the Sutton Cinema, in East Fifty-seventh Street, one of the most satisfying
screen romances of many a season. I Know Where I'm Going is boy-meets-girl,
but developed in an adult, literate style -- a sort of romantic suspense
drama which is as beautifully performed as it is beautifully written and
directed.
Wendy Hiller, back on the screen for the first time since Major Barbara
(1941), is giving a facile, captivating portrayal of a materialistic young
woman who believes that money is the springboard to all earthly happiness.
She is expertly assisted by Roger Livesey as a British naval officer who
would convince her otherwise and a host of lesser-known players, each of
whom appears to have been chosen for his or her particular role with meticulous
care. These minor characters are fully rounded personalities, and what they
have to say and do exerts considerable influence upon the destiny of the
principals. In other words, I Know Where I'm Going is a striking example
of the ensemble precept of moviemaking.
At twenty-six, Joan Webster is represented as a girl who had always known
where she was going in life. And, as the story gets under way, she is going
from London to the Island of Kiloran, in the Hebrides, to marry an elderly
and wealthy industrialist. A storm maroons her for eight days on the Isle
of Mull in the company of the personable naval officer and other Highland
folk, and for the first time in her life Miss Webster begins to live with
her heart as well as her head. This simple story line is developed with
considerable imagination, wit, and emotional insight into a thoroughly enjoyable
and exhilarating romantic experience.
Practically all of I Know Where I'm Going unfolds on the rugged, picturesque
Isle of Mull, and the Scottish inhabitants and their customs are exquisitely
depicted. The whole atmosphere of the film is alive with the sound of whining
wind and the crashing of angry waves on the rocky coast, the ghosts of ancient,
kilted clansmen standing silent watch over abandoned castles, and the skirling
of bagpipes.
One of the most fascinating sequences of the picture is the Ceilidh ("Kayley"),
an ancient Highland song and dance ritual, held in honor of a couple celebrating
their sixtieth wedding anniversary. Much of the song and conversation is
carried on in Gaelic at the Ceilidh, and though unintelligible to most American
moviegoers, one would not want it otherwise, for therein lies the true flavor
of the people.
I Know Where I'm Going will be a treat for discriminating moviegoers, but
it will not hold much appeal for those who may expect any violent, emotional
display. For the characters in this picture are solid, normal, and mature
human beings and their experiences are far from spectacular. But they are
intensely interesting people in their own quiet way.
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