The Deep Blue Sea | |
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Theatrical release poster
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Directed by | Anatole Litvak |
Produced by | Sir Alexander Korda |
Written by | Terence Rattigan |
Starring |
Vivien Leigh Kenneth More Eric Porter |
Music by | Malcolm Arnold |
Cinematography | Jack Hildyard |
Edited by | Bert Bates |
Production
company |
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Distributed by | Twentieth Century Fox |
Release date
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Running time
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96 minutes |
Country | United Kingdom |
Language | English |
The Deep Blue Sea is a 1955 British drama film directed by Anatole Litvak, starring Vivien Leigh and Kenneth More and released by Twentieth Century Fox. The picture was based on the play of the same name by Terence Rattigan. Rattigan's play has also been filmed by Terence Davies with Rachel Weisz in the Vivien Leigh role of 'Hester' and Tom Hiddleston as 'Freddie'.
Kenneth More was the only key member of the original cast (who had also appeared in a BBC Television version in 1954) to be hired for the film, as Alexander Korda wanted to use names that were more recognisable to movie goers. More always felt this was a mistake, particularly the casting of Vivien Leigh rather than Peggy Ashcroft. More did not enjoy filming, feeling that the use of Cinemascope and changes made to the original play detracted from the intimacy of the story. He also felt he had poor chemistry with Leigh.
Currently unavailable on DVD, a rare screening of the film took place as part of the BFI Vivien Leigh Season in 2013 introduced by Sean O'Connor, producer of the 2011 version of the film by Terence Davies.
The film was a box office disappointment in the US. "It was a tricky subject for American audiences," said More.