Death Takes a Holiday
February 8th, 2010 by dennis
Description
In the pre-code classic Death Takes a Holiday, the Grim Reaper (Fredric March) pays a visit to a family of wealthy socialites though he is not there on his usual business. Intent on entering the human world for a three-day holiday, Death takes the form of a visiting prince, and assumes all the pleasures and pains that go with flesh and blood existence. Experiencing, for the first time, all that humanity has to offer, he becomes enamored of Grazia (Evelyn Venable), a woman b…
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February 8th, 2010 at 8:31 am
From the moment a strange shadow seems to be following the car lovely Evelyn Venable is riding in the mood for this beautiful and darkly romantic film is set. When death itself takes on physical form to understand better why humans fear him so, the stage is set for a rich and unusual film experience.
One of the great films of the 1930’s, it is not as well-remembered as it should be. There is a strange and almost haunting atmosphere to what in the end is really a romantic look at love itself. Fredric March gives a solid performance as that which we most fear but do not understand. He is appropriately over the top and out of place on earth. Evelyn Veneable is memorable as the girl, Grazia, who Prince Sirki (March) comes to love; he experiencing for the first time what it means to be human.
But the world becomes chaotic while Death is on his vacation and Sirki must return to his grim duties. The question is whether the lovely Grazia will still fear him or choose love, even if it means going with him to what lies beyond. It is talky but so full of its darkly romantic atmosphere that it is almost hypnotic. This is truly a masterpiece of mood, the perfect blend of subject matter and atmosphere.
March’s “Death” is the focal point but Henry Travers has some fine moments among a cast which includes Gail Patrick. It is Venable herself who carries this film, however, her beautiful eyes and face capturing with emotion and expression both fear and love. It is a true shame more films of this quality did not come her way in the 1930’s.
I have never forgotten the first time I saw this film and having seen it more than once since that time have still found beauty in its presentation of love which might live far beyond the shadow which follows us all. This is one of director Mitchell Leisen’s finest films. It is a lyrical and compelling look at death and love and an experience no film buff should miss. Highly recommended.
Rating: 5 / 5