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 Under Capricorn (1949) doesn't require the leap of faith its reputation suggests. Headlined by Ingrid Bergman and Joseph Cotten, it's a costume melodrama directed by the Master of Suspense, Alfred Hitchcock. It was a notion that audiences back then couldn't wrap their heads around so for years the picture was seen in certain circles as one of Hitch's greatest duds. Under Capricorn really isn't that dramatic a departure. The story benefits from Hitchcock's ability to define and juggle relationships, which on this occasion applied not to the crime of the century but to the moving tale of a love that can't be so. The movie stars also Michael Wilding, Margaret Leighton and Cecil Parker.
Under Capricorn chronicles the exploits of professional cad Charles Adare (Wilding). Arriving at the colony of New South Wales, Adare is barely off the boat before he's swept into service by local landowner, Sam Flusky (Cotten). An ex-criminal who made good, Flusky holds many assets - none of them that include the community's respect.
Adare takes a liking to his new mentor, especially upon meeting his frail wife, Henrietta (Bergman). Long ago a vibrant soul, Henrietta's fire has since been doused, though Adare is quick to help her regain it, which brings the pair particularly close. This spells trouble after an accident forces Henrietta to choose between condemning herself or her cold-hearted hubby.
In some ways this movie is one of Hitchcock's most artistic ventures. Vertigo gets all the press for its imagery, but with some daring touches under its belt, this one is no slouch. Under Capricorn came a year after Rope (my personal Hitch favorite), which consisted entirely of a few extended takes. While not included as much here, scenes like these are still essential to Capricorn's story. The movie takes on a more theatrical motif when viewers can observe the goings-on at their leisure rather than be led from plot point to plot point on a choke chain. Several moods are adopted as the drama unfolds, keeping its many mysteries in flux. We know that characters are in love but not with whom, secrets are kept but not what, and alliances are held but not where they lie. The plot's not iron-clad, but that Hitch doesn't blurt the most vital information gives the audience a sporting chance.
Ingrid Bergman, Joseph Cotten,
Michael Wilding
Of course, one can just sit and appreciate the visual splendor Under Capricorn's pleasant production design is always ready to provide. Thankfully, though, none of it eclipses the work done by an ensemble cast any filmmaker would be pleased to work with. Bergman is, as always, marvelous, assuming the role of a woman who is at once a wilting flower and an empowered aristocrat. She handles both sides of Henrietta like a champ and walks away the true heart of the film. Wilding (Stage Fright) is neither too leery nor too dry as Adare. He's enough of a sly charmer to still be a nice guy. Cotten delivers an imposing figure with some added depth, though in the tradition of romantic rivals, Flusky is a little dense. Could he really not foresee the fragile Henrietta going ga-ga for the guy he outright hired to put some pep in her step?
This film isn't Hitchcock's most active feature. Though the story involves a certain degree of treachery, the pacing allows the time to address it, which won't whet the whistles of thrill-seekers. But seeing Hitchcock score with a film as simple yet effectively told as Under Capricorn can bring about just as much pleasure as one of the man's finest potboilers.
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Writer: James Bridie (adaptation by Hume Cronyn -- from a novel by Helen Simpson)
Cast: Ingrid Bergman, Joseph Cotten, Michael Wilding, Margaret Leighton, Cecil Parker
Rating: No MPAA Rating (very minor violence)
Classic Movie Guide Rating: 3 stars out of 5
Run Time: 117 minutes
Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures
Format: Color, fullscreen
Photo credits: Warner Bros. Pictures
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