The Deep Blue Sea (1955 film)


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 1952 play of the same name by Terence Rattigan. The movie tells the story of a woman unhappy in her passionless marriage leaving her husband for a younger and more ardent lover.

Production

was the only key member of the original cast 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.

Cast

Reception

The film was a box office disappointment in the US. "It was a tricky subject for American audiences", said More.

Awards