Under Capricorn
Plot
Under Capricorn (1949) In the early 19th century, Charles Adare, an Irish aristocrat, travels to Australia seeking a fresh start after being involved in a tragic accident that has left him with a heavy conscience. He is welcomed by his cousin, Richard Nolan, who has just been appointed as the new governor of New South Wales. Upon arrival, Charles meets Madeline Baillie, a beautiful and enigmatic woman who was once involved with his cousin, but their relationship was marred by her dark past as an ex-convict. Despite being reformed, her reputation precedes her, and many in society view her with suspicion and disdain. As Charles becomes acquainted with the harsh realities of colonial life, he begins to develop feelings for Madeline, who is determined to redeem herself through her good works. However, their budding romance is threatened by the secrets that surround them, including Madeline's troubled past and her connection to a mysterious stranger from her convict days. Meanwhile, Richard Nolan struggles with his new role as governor, torn between his duty to serve the colony and his desire to protect his cousin and help him find redemption. The trio becomes entangled in a complex web of emotions, guilt, and retribution, set against the backdrop of Australia's early colonial history. Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, Under Capricorn is a thought-provoking drama that explores themes of morality, class, and redemption in the harsh environment of 19th-century Australia. The film features outstanding performances from its leads, including Ingrid Bergman as Madeline Baillie, Charles Laughton as Richard Nolan, and Joseph Cotten as Charles Adare. With its atmospheric cinematography, nuanced storytelling, and psychological tension, Under Capricorn is a gripping and emotionally charged film that showcases Hitchcock's mastery of the drama genre.
Reviews
Jack
First time watching a Hitchcock film, and the subtitles were terrible, out of sync by two or three seconds, and the last 15 minutes switched to French audio, unbelievable! Technically, it's impressive. Besides the beautiful color palette and painted backdrops, Hitchcock deliberately shows off with complex, in-depth long takes that move around. The plot, however, is a disaster. Except for the male lead, every character is either an extreme, a freak, or a complete bitch. It was too frustrating to watch. Two and a half stars.
Annie
"Bogdanovich told a French critic that they considered *Under Capricorn* one of his best pictures," Hitchcock recounted, "because they saw the film for itself – not just what they expected." Hitchcock elaborated: "Here's a Hitchcock film, a costume picture and hardly a thriller. No suspense throughout. I remember one Hollywood critic said that it took 105 minutes before you had your first thrill. They came with an expectation, which wasn't fulfilled. That was the biggest mistake of the picture. Also, the casting was probably wrong. It's a story about a lady and a stableman. Bergman fell in love with the stableman, Joseph Cotten, who was a convict, and went out to Australia..."
Thiago
Australia, a continent rife with sinners and a reluctance to speak of sins, sets the tone for the film. The confrontation between law and sentiment, embodied by the governor and the colonial merchant, carries multiple layers of meaning. The housekeeper, Milly (reminiscent of *Rebecca*), and the mistress, Henrietta, vie for the affections of the master, Flusky. Meanwhile, the governor's cousin, Adare, and Flusky both vie for Henrietta’s affection. Flashbacks reveal a past where Flusky and Henrietta's brother competed for her hand. These intertwined triangles blur the lines between guilt and innocence, ultimately pointing to the depths of the human heart.
Messiah
My taste must be seriously out of sync with the last century – I find Ingrid Bergman both affected and unattractive. For the first several minutes, I thought she was completely mad. Directed by Alfred Hitchcock.
