What is a spoiled woman to do? The one that has it all, even by today’s opulent standards. That pied-a-terre in London – far removed from the hastiness of New York City (why smudge a wrinkle over that old hag?), onto that polite society of a good older sister caring for her, in trying to set her up with a man.

This is escapist fantasy par excellence. The vicarious fulfillment of being doted on, while needing that constant date for all the adult after-sunset affairs, in that tucked away life removed from tupperware…there is nonetheless the glaring solipsism of a self-absorbed woman.

Is this how the original author desired to portray (Ingrid Bergman as) Anna Kalman? No doubt, Ms. Ingrid Bergman is stellar in display of range; in a justified defiance in her insistence of maintaining the course with whom she invests her time with, particularly with men. That one sweeps who her off her feet, while she knowingly, willingly, falls despite his lies, is much ado with an accurate critique of the modern woman as it is with how ephemeral her life is compared to her grandmother’s.

For why, yes, her work is now lavish compared to those days of washing once a week. She has choices, too many choices, and winds up picking men like picking the next best dress to wear. That seasonable fashion, that ultimately temporary; but wait, what if there is that one who may propose?

And it is here where Mr. Philip Adams (played well by Mr. Cary Grant) plys his trade, in always remaining available, frolicking as it were within the fantasies of a woman who feels desired more. Where that competitive spirit wrestled deep within the body pours itself out with self-adoration on landing a man impossibly entertaining and authoritative. 

No doubt Mr. Adams plays his cards well. It is his forte – to be that worthwhile for stuckup women who have little recourse.

His waltzing passes the test on the next best alternative – far removed from the thoughts of being pleasing to children.

That liberty – to be libertine! To walk along the fine line of reputation while achieving one’s personal goals…distances the children’s storytime telling with those escapades which lead to bursts of emotional and sensual passion and not much more.

To a more self-indulgent life! Is the cracked bell of liberty, echoing with a harrowing foreshadowing of more and more popularity of such selfish misdirection of wants.

Grade: B