THE MOVIEGOER

This movie has been publicized as having been voted one of England's ten best pictures of the year. "The Glass Mountain" when viewed, therefore, is a disappointment. Although it is certainly above the average screen product, it is superior in only one department, its music, while the acting is excellent only in spots.

The story is essentially one of a love triangle, unembellished by sociological, patriotic, or religious overtones. Played straight as it is, this makes for an un muddied plot. But the actors are not always able to take advantage of their necessary importance in such a movie; they could have excelled, instead they sometimes fail even to sustain an average level of competence at the art. Overplaying of scenes is not infrequent, and always noticeable.

Michael Dennison is only acceptable in his part as a young English composer, married, who becomes enamoured of the Italian girl who succors him when he is shot down in the war. But the two women far outshine him. Valentine Corneas, as his benefactress, is believable, save when her lines do not allow; and Dulcie Gray, as his wife, does fairly by her necessarily third-rate part. No one, however, actually creates a character that could stand apart on its own strength.

Two things, one of lesser, one of greater importance make this movie unusual. First, the photography: ranging from England to the Italian Alps to Rome, the camera picks up some beautiful and spectacular backgrounds for its central shots. Second, the music: Tito Gobbi's excellent baritone voice alone would make the picture worth attending. And Elena Rizzerieria, who joins Gobbi in singing the "Glass Mountain," the operatic composition from which the picture gets its name, also has a fine voice. With these two "The Glass Mountain" is good entertainment.