Interlude (1965)

On June 22, 2006 as "artfulwords@yahoo," I posted an IMDb "user review" entitled "Timeless Interlude" and then enthusiastically expanded my thoughts in May, 2009. See p. 3 on the site in detail and caution, there are "spoilers".In reading the many opinions posted there, I realized that a "cult" of us existed who have followed INTERLUDE for ages and longed for a decent copy. I waited at least a decade for a fine DVD version, having watched the film too many times to count (and still watching!), first on television after seeing it in the theatre, and later via second-generation videos and/or DVDs purchased on EBay. More recently, Timi Yuro Friends posted it on YouTube mercifully in full length, but postage stamp-size! Like other followers, I was grateful to have access to any copy. Some had not seen the film for years, had never seen it, or had only heard of its story through reviews and the original soundtrack. I even notice the "cult" emerging thus far in our Amazon reviews: we are unanimously thrilled to have the new version and its accessibility here and have given INTERLUDE five-stars! "Marvelous, marvelous!"Last month I was overjoyed to discover the remastered DVD on Amazon! It had become a small "obsession" to periodically seek it especially since 2008, when I sent the late Oskar Werner's son, Felix Florian Werner, an email inquiring about INTERLUDE's being remastered. Incredibly my letter reached him in Germany after seeking him through several sources. For the last four years, I hoped against hope that he had indeed found a way to re-release his father's film, as he had most cordially indicated he was in process.When the new Amazon DVD of INTERLUDE arrived at my door in July, almost to the day of its initial review in the "New York Times" July 3, 1968 by Renata Adler (see below), I immediately viewed it as I first saw it 44 years ago: in utterly satisfying bright and clean condition, on a large, flat-screen television in surround sound with crisp dialogue, clarity of expression and nuance - all of which were absent from the pirated, second-generation copies. (Amazing Amazon for having almost anything anyone can wish, and now this long-awaited film!) Since the advent of DVDs, I always wanted INTERLUDE, my favorite film of all, to find its place among forgotten cinematic jewels. In the remastering, only the sound of the clapping audience is somewhat muffled and flat; otherwise it is beyond description to see the absolute light in the eyes of each actor who give, and share, incredibly perceptive and tender performances. On a different note, I have long forgiven some of the quirky director cuts; if anything, I wished instead, that the remastered film contain some of the lost scenes (but alas, not to be!). The restored color is gorgeous - and with respect to color, and as noted above, Renata Adler's "NYT" review popped up this evening online when I cross-researched aspects of the film and its new DVD. I am in total disagreement with her critique which appeared over four decades ago (and a couple of months before I saw INTERLUDE at 16 and began my love affair with the film). Adler's many snide observations remain disgusting to this day. In one she comments on the green, sickly color permeating the scenes. Not true. Her further remarks about story, writing and acting are as outrageous and insensitive as the day she first hacked the film to pieces. DO NOT ALLOW HER NASTY REVIEW TO INFLUENCE YOUR VIEWING OF INTERLUDE!To paraphrase what I previously wrote on IMDb: "I very much miss Oskar Werner's presence on screen and there has never been another actor quite like him. A decade after the film came out, I had the brief and unexpected pleasure of meeting Barbara Ferris in NYC and was able to tell her how the film's sweetness had stayed with me since I was 16.Though timeless in theme, innocent, yet not, it reflects the aura of the 1960s and becomes more bittersweet with age. When one grows up with such a film, it takes on each decade that passes and always retains in concept that crystal sensation of the first viewing. The soundtrack is as beautiful as it was in 1968, ever filled with memory, fresh and fleeting. I always find that regardless of age, or where we are from, we are all bound by the magic and longing of (and for) this film. I truly care about each of the three involved; a true test of the movie's enduring quality. INTERLUDE is an old friend and over the years, its conversations pop up in my head as direct, loving, rich, tender, humorous and poignant streams of thought. And then, of course, I am compelled to see it again ...I keep INTERLUDE with me often, reread Donne's XVII Elegy 'On His Mistress,' listen to Robert Lafond's 2005 CD of the reworking of INTERLUDE's soundtrack and marvelous title song. (The CD includes Delerue's RAPTURE; both scores soar with yearning and it is a glorious CD I obtained thanks to Amazon.) Tchaikovsky's First Symphony, 'Winter Daydreams,' Rachmaninoff's 'Second Symphony,' Albioni's 'Adagio;' the Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms and Dvorak pieces from the film allow me to immerse, to feel the musical world of conductor Stefan Zelter; and perhaps of Oskar Werner himself, who loved music and also portrayed Mozart with such devotion in the 1955 Austrian film, THE LIFE AND LOVES OF MOZART.INTERLUDE is a film flowing with adult, relevant moments about marriage, career and affairs and represents a triangle of love, sorrow and longing; each character onto the other. The movie remains blessedly timeless."Thank you, Amazon, and Felix Florian Werner who so honors his father's legacy.

I saw this in the theater almost 60 years ago and just loved it. The classical choices are wonderful and Georges Delerue’s beautiful score is unforgettable. The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is that it is not close captioned for the hearing impaired. I have developed a slight impairment with accents. I like to turn on the close captioning for that. But I highly recommend this film anyway!

I adored this actor. The movie was excellent. When he spoke or laughed it made me wonder why more people were not aware of this fine actor. Great movie.

When this film came out, romance classics were still being made. This film was a remake of the original movie, "Interlude" which starred Rossano Brazzi and June Allyson. That film was a remake of "Intermezzo" which starred Leslie Howard and Ingrid Bergman.The story line centers around a domestic love triangle which includes a self-absorbed, yet loving, symphony conductor (Oskar Werner), a proper lady, well schooled and self-sacrificing wife (Virginia Haskell) and a free-spirited journalist who represents the Swinging London of the 1960s (Barbara Ferris).I won't go too much into plot, because it is all pretty basic. But this film is also worth getting because of the notable early performances of a very funny (mid Python days) John Cleese and a slightly-smarmy, but effective friend of the conductor, Donald Sutherland.Also, the soundtrack by the late, great George Delereau (who did the scores for Jules and Jim and so many other fine films) weaves through the movie beautifully along with the real classical scores by Brahms, Tchaikovsky, Mozart and others.In fact, the scenes where Oskar Werner conducts the London Symphony in the Royal Albert Hall is some of the best ever done. Werner clearly knew his way around a baton, and embodied all the mannerisms and traits we expect from dynamic symphony conductors.Werner and Haskell are both amazing in their respective roles. Ferris is not a strong enough actress here to be able to hold her own with the rest of the cast. As a result, one leaves the film wondering what it was exactly that made this woman so compelling that a relatively happily married man was willing to leave his wife for her. But, since this is not meant to be a serious drama, only a romantic romp with beautiful scenery, music and acting, the viewer can suspend their belief for a while and simply enjoy.This film falls into the category of an "Affair to Remember" or "Casablance" where everyone involved is sympathetically drawn and no one character is all good or all bad. It is just life and love and all the failings and foibles that come with it.  Interlude (1965) BTW. I have watched this specific DVD and compared the film quality to two different bootlegged versions I owned. In this re-issued DVD, the quality of the picture and sound are wonderful. The color is crisp and you can see the actors' nuanced performance so much better. If you're used to seeing the quality of this movie from an old VHS converted to DVD version, then by all means, purchase this item. It is well worth the price.

I first saw this film in 1965, and fell in love with the story, the romantic leads (the great Austrian stage and film actor Oskar Werner (think Jules and Jim, Fahrenheit 451 and Ship of Fools, and Barbara Ferris, and the wonderful score by French composer Georges Delerue. Despite decades of pleas from adoring fans, the film had never been released on video or DVD - until now! And it was well worth the wait! The film has stood the test of time and thrilled ever-pstient fans who believed that if they kept pestering and asking for its release, it would happen.(Interesting to see Canadian actdor ald Sutherland in one of his first minor roles in English cinema.) A perfect gem of a film for anyone who loves great acting, beautiful music and scenery, and a fabulous romance!

Great memories! Happy to have this in my collection.

I haven't seen this for over forty years it's fantastic movie

Personal viewing.

I give this movie 6 stars ! Loved it !