The Razor's Edge [DVD]

I have always been a huge admirer of the work of W. Somerset Maugham. An exceptionally talented man and writer. This film was released in 1946 when Maugham was in the middle of his working life. The film script from the novel of the same name considered to be one his his best. It is very much a film of the time. The stars Gene Tierney and Tyrone Power two of the most beautiful people in Hollywood who were also very talented actors played their parts to perfection. Conventional society of the time - this time rich American ex-pats living in Paris. I always think Maugham didn't really like women and I wonder if it was the roles they were expected to play that makes them into not very nice people. In this film Gene Tierney plays the part to perfection. And Tyrone Power's character is unable to settle into this conventional life and is none the less totally charming. Maugham himself appears as more observer than part of the plot and then there is Clifton Webb who always upstages everyone. Filmed in black and white with fabulous beautifully furnished interiors this was obviously an expensive production. And it has stood the test of time. Any film starts with the script and you can't better Somerset Maugham.

I enjoyed every minute of this, and - and this is quite something - so did my wife. Running to just over 1¼ hours, the film keeps up a great pace, and involves the viewer intensely in the unfolding dramas that affect not just the main player (Larry Darrell, played consummately well by Tyrone Power), but also those through whose circles he moves, including Isobel (portrayed in a stellar performance by Gene Tierney), her uncle Elliott (played brilliantly by Clifton Webb), and Sophie (played by Anne Baxter, whose performance won her an Oscar). For a sojourn in glittering society in Chicago, Paris and the Riviera, all between the two world wars, with visits also to the high Himalayas and to low-life Paris dives, as Larry seeks a meaning to his post-WW1 life, this 1946 film is a worthy representation of W. Somerset Maugham's best-selling novel.

One of the greatest films ever made, this wonderful adaptation of the Maugham classic, is a privilege to watch. Ty Power and Gene Tierney are perhaps the most beautiful actors ever to grace the screen, and the supporting cast is excellent especially Herbert Marshall, Clifton Webb and the Oscar-Winning Anne Baxter.This film has been described by a few critics as "pretentious". I view it as full of depth and meaning----as well as simply wonderful entertainment.Highly recommended as one of the 30 or 40 Best Films in cinema history.

A Romantic Drama; Four Of Hollywoods Biggest Stars Of The 1940s.A Convvoluted Plot.Soul Searching Story Line, Sad And Happy, Puzzling.Ultimately Thoughy Provoking

This film seems a bit old fashioned now with the central theme not quite believable. It works better in the novel. It is well acted of course.The sequence in the mountains just does not work.

Purchased for an elderly gentleman friend.He is very pleased with it.Perfect condition .Recommend product.

Terrific movie, excellent acting and charismatic leads. Bit of a surprise part for Tyrone and he manages very well indeed.

The film (The Razor's Edge) was not as good as the novel, but this is often the case. I enjoyed the book very much when I read it at College when I was younger. I, therefore, thought that I would also enjoy the film as much, but this was not the case.I have not yet watched the 3 Somerset Maugham DVDs below, but could not leave a message without giving it a score.