Evening Primrose

The plot of 'Evening Primrose' revolves around the life of Henry F. Kendall, played by Anthony Perkins, an aspiring young poet who is unable to find success in his writing. Disillusioned and searching for a place to belong, he moves to New York City, where he finds himself wandering the streets, lost and unsure of his direction in life. It is during this wandering that Kendall stumbles upon a beautiful upscale department store. The store, named Le Donateur, is a lavish and enchanting world of luxury and refinement. What initially strikes Kendall as merely a place to buy items he cannot afford quickly transforms into a place where he finds solace and belonging. Unbeknownst to outsiders, Le Donateur houses a secret society of people who live within its walls. Kendall, being drawn to the beauty of the department store, makes friends with a group of eccentric but charming individuals who live within its confines. There is, for instance, Mrs. Frisbie, a kind-hearted and gentle soul who becomes Kendall's confidant; Professor Holloway, a quirky academic with an interest in the finer things in life; and Mr. Finch, an amicable and affable gentleman with a talent for poetry and music. However, it is not until Kendall meets the store's beautiful and intelligent maid, Colette, that he finds true love and acceptance. Played by Jean Simmons, Colette is a ravishing young woman with a captivating smile and an intellect to match her beauty. As Kendall becomes more entrenched in the world of Le Donateur, he finds himself falling deeply in love with Colette, who, despite her initial reluctance, begins to reciprocate his feelings. As Kendall's bond with Colette grows stronger, he becomes increasingly entrenched in the world of Le Donateur, where he discovers that its inhabitants live by their own rules and have created a hidden sanctuary within the labyrinthine corridors of the department store. Led by the enigmatic and charming leader of the secret society, Reginald Smith-Hall, the inhabitants of Le Donateur live a life separate from the rest of society. Through his relationships with the store's inhabitants, Kendall gains a new perspective on life, one that emphasizes the importance of community and acceptance. He begins to see that there are people in the world who value the simple things in life and are willing to live outside the societal norms. Kendall's love for Colette and his growing sense of belonging within Le Donateur give him the courage to express himself more freely, to reveal his true self to the people around him. Reginald Smith-Hall, however, is a complex figure with his own secrets and motivations. Played by Clifton Webb, Smith-Hall is a suave and charismatic leader who is deeply devoted to maintaining the secrecy of the store's inhabitants. While Kendall is drawn to Smith-Hall's charm and intellect, he also begins to question the morality of living a double life. As Kendall navigates this complex web of relationships and secrets, he is faced with the difficult decision of whether to leave Le Donateur and resume his life in the outside world or to stay with the people he loves and the life he has found within the department store. Ultimately, Kendall chooses to leave, but not before confessing his love to Colette and promising to maintain his connections with the people he has grown to love. 'Evening Primrose' is a poignant and thought-provoking film that explores themes of community, acceptance, and the desire for human connection. Through its beautifully shot scenes and charming characters, the film creates a vivid portrait of the magical world within Le Donateur, a world that is both a haven from the outside world and a commentary on the superficiality of modern society.