'The Sea Gull'

Some years back, to thank writer-producer Tom Fontana for a kindness, I gave him a homemade DVD of Sidney Lumet's film version of Chekhov's The Sea Gull, which was released in 1968. (I had recorded it when it was run once on the Arts and Entertainment Channel, back in the days when A&E actually ran something that came under the heading of "art.") Tom was friendly with Lumet and, after watching the film, e-mailed his compliments to the master director. Lumet reportedly replied, "How did you see it? I don't have a copy of that!" Tom, of course, duped his copy and sent it along. I was delighted to have indirectly been a part of Lumet getting his hands on it.

Is it a perfect film of The Sea Gull? Well, of course, there is no such thing. I think the casting of Simone Signoret as Arkadina is a mistake. She was a remarkable actress, but there was no way I could believe that she was the mother of David Warner, who played Treplev. On the other hand, Warner is very good, as are Denholm Elliot, Harry Andrews, Kathleen Widdoes and others in the supporting cast. But what makes the film a must-own are the performances of a radiant young Vanessa Redgrave as the aspiring actress Nina and James Mason as the world-weary novelist Trigorin. Their scene from act two features the two of them doing some of their very best work.

The film is due for a rediscovery. Not long ago, there was a warmly-received showing at Lincoln Center, and I hoped that this was a sign that Warner Brothers would finally release it as a DVD. Well, Warner Brothers has finally released it, but not as a DVD. It's available as a video download. Better than nothing. At $9.95 it's a bargain.