During WWII, the Germans developed
an explosive booby-trap that they began dropping over England. In 1943, the army decides
to bring in an expert, Sammy Rice, to help them find one and disarm it. Rice,
however, has his own problems as well. He is in a constant struggle with his
department’s overseers about the quality of weapons being developed. He also is
in a terrific battle against his own worse nature (his internal drive to drink
to dull the unrelenting pain caused by his prosthetic foot).
The film is yet another WWII
drama from British auteurs the
Archers (Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger). They work with their
frequent collaborators composer Brian Easdale,
cinematographer Christopher
Challis and production designer Hein Heckroth.
The film stars David Farrar
and Kathleen
Byron, and features support from Jack Hawkins,
Leslie Banks
and Michael
Gough.
It is interesting watching The
Small Black Room for fans of Powell & Pressburger’s work – seeing David
Farr and Kathleen Byron playing two people intimately involved after their
interaction in Black
Narcissus. The Small Black Room is often regarded as a lesser work of the
Archers, probably because it does not have the same following as their
Technicolor films; however, it is an excellent character drama/thriller. The
Archers build tension in many ways throughout the film. It is almost too much
to take, making the film a bit difficult to watch, due to its emotional
effectiveness. There is also a great artistic flare to the film, as its black
& white photography and production design perfectly capture Sammy Rice’s
inner demons at play. Personally, I think this is a must-see for fans of the
Archers and good WWII dramas.
Trailer: Here
Available on: DVD
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