Sons and Lovers (1960)

71% of critics liked it
(7 reviews)
49% of users liked it
(340 ratings)

The Motion Picture Production Code was still in effect (albeit weakly) when Sons and Lovers was filmed in 1960, so don't expect a thoroughly frank and faithful adaptation of the D.H. Lawrence novel. Set in an English mining town, the film focuses on Paul Morel (Dean Stockwell), the sensitive son of… More The Motion Picture Production Code was still in effect (albeit weakly) when Sons and Lovers was filmed in 1960, so don't expect a thoroughly frank and faithful adaptation of the D.H. Lawrence novel. Set in an English mining town, the film focuses on Paul Morel (Dean Stockwell), the sensitive son of a roughhewn, alcoholic miner (Trevor Howard) and his gentle, repressed wife (Wendy Hiller). Intent on becoming an artist, Paul is not above depending upon the financial kindnesses of the young women of the town. Many of the girls carry a torch for him, but his strong bonds to his mother leave him emotionally sapped. Freddie Francis's evocative, grimy industrial-town cinematography won him an Academy Award. Despite censorial restrictions, this admirably captures the essence of the dour Lawrence original. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 43 min.
Directed By: Jack Cardiff
Written By: T.E.B. Clarke, Gavin Lambert
Genres: Drama, Classics

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1960 Wide
Studio: 20th Century Fox

Critic Reviews

Variety Staff, Variety
Sons and Lovers is a well-made and conscientious adaptation of D. H. Lawrence's famed novel, smoothly directed by Jack Cardiff and superbly acted by a notable cast.
Bosley Crowther, New York Times
Somehow, this plainly euphemistic attitude toward Lawrence's fierce and fine account runs through the whole handsome picture and hobbles its real potential punch.
Tom Milne, Time Out
A slack and superficial adaptation of Lawrence's novel.
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
The film's period details are excellent, and the direction by cinematographer-turned-director Cardiff is first rate.
David Parkinson, Empire Magazine
D.H. Lawrence has always proved a tricky test for filmmakers, but this is certainly one fo the better translations, thanks in no small part to the cinematography.
, Film4
An attractive, thoughtful adaptation of a difficult novel. Lawrence's sexual politics may have dated badly, but the cinematography and acting still exude quality.
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
Jack Clayton's adaptation of D.H. Lawrence's autobiographical novel is intelligent, exquisitely shot, and well acted, if also too restrained.

Read all 7 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

jay n

Strong performances all around elevate this hard drama of crushed and stalled hopes. Not a surprise that this received many awards including several Oscar noms, the excellent cinematography won. A fine film from an era when cinema was about the human condition.
Lauren D

It was ok. The acting was surprisingly realistic and there was not a bad performance to be found. However, I didn't find the plot very interesting and I found the movie to be a bit boring.