The Inn of Sixth Happiness

Movie Review: The Inn of Sixth Happiness

Year of Release: 1958
Country of Origin: USA
Director: Mark Robson
Cast: Ingrid Bergman, Curd Jürgens, Robert Donat

Plot outline: A true story of Gladys Aylward, a tenacious British maid, who became a missionary in China during the tumultuous years leading up to World War II (IMDb).

Ingrid Bergman's capacity to convey a sense of supreme sincerity with little more to work with in the way of a character than a simple and wholesome facade is touchingly demonstrated in this movie. In it, the lovely Bergman, grown a bit matronly and plump, plays an English housemaid who goes to China in the Nineteen Thirties. Through patience, enterprise and sincerity, she is able to win her way into the confidence of the superstitious natives and of the haughty mandarin, who initially puts a variety of sutble obstacles in her way. The script, adapted from the biography of Gladys Aylward entitled "The Small Woman", unfortunately provided no clarification as to what makes the heroine tick. The justification of her achievements is revealed by no other displays than those of Bergman's mellow beauty, friendly manner and melting charm. Her not-so-small woman is most appealing, but she is still just a sturdy facade. Curd Jürgens is remarkedly gracious as the Chinese army officer and Robert Donat is refined and regal as the aged mandarin. Athene Seyler gives a warm and wry performance as the missionary, and Ronald Squire and Moultrie Kelsall are "veddy propah" as old China hands. The settings and outdoor scenery are fine, giving a striking illusion of China, even though filmed in Wales. They provide a real and rugged background for the long trek of the kids, which is the most credible, moving and memorable adventure in the movie. (NYT)

My judgement: **1/2 out of 4 stars