tlcarpenter — 18 years ago(March 10, 2008 03:11 AM)

I just watched this lost gem and was completely blown away by Sandy's incredible performance. This might be her most nuanced performance, it's definitely on par with her best work.
When she demands to see her baby against the Head Nurse's wishes, she gives a defiant little speech that gave me goosebumps. Then when in desperation she tries a last resort shock tactic, she had me cheering. The last scene with her and Ian McKellen was so poignant and bittersweet that it brought a lump to my throat. Yes, Rosamund, "one can't change their nature".
I've been having a bit of a Dennis film festival which confirms my belief that not only is Sandy my favorite actress (along with Vivien Leigh, Geraldine Page and Faye Dunaway) but one of the most gifted artists I've had the pleasure to watch on film.
My only regret is that I never got to see her on stage. I would have given anything to see her in Absurd Person Singular or one of her other stage performances. I've always been fascinated by the pairing of her with Stella Stevens in the gender switch Odd Couple, relishing what must have been a delicious contrast in comedic styles.
Is there any of her stage work preserved by theater archives or even fan bootlegs? That would be a dream come true.
Next up for me is Three Sisters. I've heard it's slow going at 167 minutes even with the dream teaming of Dennis, Page and Stanley - but if I ever was in the mood to get through this tough one - it is now.