A Tale of Two Cities (1935) | |
| Director(s) | Jack Conway, Robert Z. Leonard (uncredited) |
| Producer(s) | David O. Selznick |
| Top Genres | Action, Drama, Epic, Historical, Romance |
| Top Topics | French Revolution |
Featured Cast:
A Tale of Two Cities Overview:
A Tale of Two Cities (1935) was a Drama - Historical Film directed by Robert Z. Leonard and Jack Conway and produced by David O. Selznick.
SYNOPSIS
In a striking adaptation of the oft-filmed Dickens tale set during the French Revolution, Colman portrays Sydney Carton, a carefree lawyer who springs into action, aiding victims of the Reign of Terror, sparking love and, eventually, an ultimate sacrifice. Haunting, dark photography adds mood to the proceedings, and the supporting performances are all standouts (in particular, screen rookie Yurka's Mme. Defarge). This was an immediate blockbuster and boosted Selznick's fortunes. Jacques Tourneur directed the second-unit crowd scenes.
(Source: available at Amazon AMC Classic Movie Companion).
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Academy Awards 1936 --- Ceremony Number 9 (source: AMPAS)
| Award | Recipient | Result |
| Best Film Editing | Conrad A. Nervig | Nominated |
| Best Picture | Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer | Nominated |
A Tale of Two Cities BlogHub Articles:
A Tale of Two Cities (1935)
By 4 Star Film Fan on Dec 23, 2017 From 4 Star FilmsIt’s no surprise that this adaptation begins with that oft-repeated?bit of poetic parallelism. “It was the best of times it was the worst of times” etc. Of course, in its abridged format the opening suggests the universal quality of those iconic words. It was a period very much lik... Read full article
A Tale of Two Cities (1935)
By 4 Star Film Fan on Dec 23, 2017 From 4 Star FilmsIt’s no surprise that this adaptation begins with that oft-repeated?bit of poetic parallelism. “It was the best of times it was the worst of times” etc. Of course, in its abridged format the opening suggests the universal quality of those iconic words. It was a period very much lik... Read full article
A TALE OF TWO CITIES (1980)
By Dan Day Jr. on Apr 22, 2016 From The Hitless Wonder Movie BlogOne would assume that after the huge success of STAR WARS, Peter Cushing might have gotten the opportunity to work on any number of enticing projects. But that simply wasn't so. Most of the films Cushing worked on after STAR WARS and before his mid-1980s retirement are either almost impossible to fi... Read full article
A Tale of Two Cities (1935)
By Beatrice on May 4, 2013 From Flickers in TimeA Tale of Two Cities Directed by Jack Conway 1935/USA Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Repeat viewing This is a fairly faithful adaptation of the Dickens novel. ?The evil Marquis St. Evremonde (Basil Rathbone) denounced Dr. Manette and had him imprisoned without trial in the Bastille for 18 years. ?Manette i... Read full article
A Tale of Two Cities (Ralph Thomas, 1958)
By Judy on Dec 18, 2012 From Movie ClassicsDirk Bogarde as Sydney Carton In the UK, the 1958 Rank Organisation adaptation of A Tale of Two Cities, starring??Dirk Bogarde, is probably better-remembered than the 1935 MGM version. The 1950s film is the one that’s widely available here (there’s even a special edition DVD), whereas th... Read full article
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Quotes from A Tale of Two Cities
Sydney Carton: Perhaps I do. Perhaps in death, I receive something I never had in life - I hold a sanctuary in the hearts of those I care for.
Sydney Carton: My poor child. It isn't understanding we need now. It's courage.
Seamstress: You're going to die in his place. Why?
Sydney Carton: He is my friend.
Seamstress: You're so brave... When we go to the guillotine, will you let me hold your hand? That might give me courage, too.
Sydney Carton: Yes. I'll hold it to the last.
Seamstress: To the last.
Lucie Manette: You know, Sydney, sometimes it's the part of a friend to criticize, too.
Sydney Carton: Oh, when there's any hope of reformation, yes; but with me, it's hopeless.
Lucie Manette: I don't believe it. I refuse to believe it.
Sydney Carton: Oh, I admit that once when... when I first knew you, the sight of you and your home stirred old shadows that I thought had died out of me. I had unformed ideas of striving afresh, beginning anew, fighting out the abandoned fight. A dream that ended in nothing, but you inspired it.
Lucie Manette: Must it end in nothing?
Sydney Carton: I'm afraid so. But for that inspiration, and for that dream, I shall always be grateful to you, Lucie.
Lucie Manette: I feel in you still such possibilities.
Sydney Carton: No, they'll never be realized. I am like one who died young.
Lucie Manette: I'll never give up my hopes for you, Sydney. Never.
Sydney Carton: I know myself better. But, this I know, too: I would embrace any sacrifice for you and for those dear to you. Will you hold me in your mind as being ardent and sincere in this one thing? Think now and then that there is a man who would give his life to keep a life you love beside you?
Lucie Manette: Thank you, Sydney. God grant that it may never be necessary.
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Facts about A Tale of Two Cities
Actor Ronald Colman agreed to play the role of Sydney Carton with the sole condition that he not also be required to play the role of Charles Darnay, as was usually expected in adaptations of the Dickens novel. The plot of 'A Tale of Two Cities' turns on the physical resemblance between the two characters. Colman had long wanted to play Sidney Carton, and was even willing to shave off his beloved mustache to play the part.
"Lux Radio Theater" broadcast a 60 minute radio adaptation of the movie onJanuary 12, 1942 with Ronald Colman reprising his film role.
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