Sons and Lovers (1960)
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71% of critics liked it
(7 reviews) -
48% of users liked it
(359 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… 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
- Directed By
- Jack Cardiff
- Written By
- T.E.B. Clarke, Gavin Lambert
- Genres
- Drama, Classics
Unrated,
- In Theaters
- Jan 1, 1960 Wide
- Studio
- 20th Century Fox
Critic Reviews
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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.
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Tom Milne, Time Out
A slack and superficial adaptation of Lawrence's novel.
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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.
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, TV Guide's Movie Guide
The film's period details are excellent, and the direction by cinematographer-turned-director Cardiff is first rate.
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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.
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Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Trevor Howard
as Walter Morel
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Dean Stockwell
as Paul Morel
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Wendy Hiller
as Gertrude Morel
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Mary Ure
as Clara Dawes
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Heather Sears
as Miriam Leivers
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William Lucas
as William Morel
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Conrad Phillips
as Baxter Dawes
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Donald Pleasence
as Pappleworth
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Ernst Thesiger
as Henry Hadlock
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Rosalie Crutchley
as Mrs. Leivers
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Ruth Dunning
as Mrs. Leivers
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Elizabeth Begley
as Mrs. Radford
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Edna Morris
as Mrs. Anthony
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Ruth Kettlewell
as Mrs. Bonner
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Sean Barrett
as Arthur
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Philip Ray
as Dr. Ansell
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Susan Travers
as Betty
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Dorothy Gordon
as Fanny
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Sheila Bernette
as Polly
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Vilma Ann Leslie
as Collie
- Ernest Thesiger
