Chopped version on TCM

In addition the print of the version TCM ran was deplorable. The colors were faded and blanched. It was difficult on the eyes to watch this mess. It was certainly a huge disappointment that they showed such an inferior presentation when a restored pristine version is available.

TCM really bungled it.

I was appalled at this truncated version, which also looked as if a family of Burgundian peasants had eaten breakfast off the print. I subsequently ordered and received from Amazon a copy of the fully restored version and, having watched it tonight, can recommend that it was, indeed, worthy of its 7 Oscar nominations and wins for color cinematography and costume design (the first award ever bestowed in this category).

It's clear that the film was probably heavily influenced by the success of Olivier's Henry V, as least in look. The language, adapted from Maxwell Anderson's stage hit, sounds very stilted to a modern ear--sincere and well-meant, but more than a little too lofty and off-putting. Bergman is excellent and Ferrer is outstanding because they both manage to transcend the non-dimensionality of virtually every other character, especially the painfully obvious villainy of the grossly rotund Bishop of Beauvais.

"Thank you, thank you--you're most kind. In fact you're every kind."

Did you see it today? Looked beautiful.