DRAGONWYCK - The Dark Side of Van Ryn

Van Ryn reveals his dark side to Miranda

Vincent Price said he most wanted to be remembered for this film. His role marks the transition to a character type that would later make him a star.

Background:

Wealthy Patroon Nicholas Van Ryn clashes with tenant farmers in a battle of succession to maintain control of his hereditary lands and title. This gothic drama is set in the framework of real historical events that happened along New Yorks Hudson River in the early nineteenth century.

Disturbed by the presence of an eerie, spiritual power that afflicts her with a strange eating disorder, Mrs. Van Ryn cannot give birth to a male heir; so, Nicholas looks for a replacement. He invites distant cousin Miranda, a simple God-fearing farm girl, for an extended visit to his estate, and to be a companion for his daughter Katrine.

Van Ryn has more in mind for Miranda than she, at first, believes. After Mrs. Van Ryn dies mysteriously, the Patroon takes Miranda as a wife. After a life-long fascination with the aristocracy, Miranda discovers her husbands supercilious nature and heartlessness.

Miranda Van Ryn - Gene Tierney
Nicholas Van Ryn - Vincent Price
Peggy O'Malley - Jessica Tandy


Based on the novel by Anya Seton
Director - Joseph L. Mankiewicz
Producor - Darryl F. Zanuck, Ernst Lubitsch
Screenplay - Joseph L. Mankiewicz
Music Score - Alfred C. Newman
Cinematography - Arthur C. Miller

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• Gene
• Tierney
• Vincent
• Price
• Jessica
• Tandy
• gothic
• horror
• classic
• mystery
• suspense
• handicapped
• deformed
• cripple
• diva
• femme
• special
• needs
• romance

[twiwonder]

I like his dark side. It's sexy. :p

[shanghaibenny2]

@twiwonder

It is at that. Just as long as he stays away from the Special Olympics.

[gnsback]

In addition to the unexpected dread and contrast created by Price's comments on the cripple maid, there then comes that bigger jolt at the dinner table on belief in deity, or should say non-belief.

I had forgotten how this negative unexpected side contrasts so starkly to Gene Tierney's soft, positive character of goodness. What a capturing of the film's essence, which can encourage viewers to see it all! Thanks again shanghaibenny2

[shanghaibenny2]

The scene does appear to be a turning point in the film. What fantastic talent went into making this film!

[jgg59]

As was the custom of the time when a new Mistress took over servants were let go and previous children were sent to boarding school or the parents of the mother.

[shanghaibenny2]

I suppose this was their way of insuring loyalty.

[gnsback]

I clicked on better than a 5, but must have a slow connection cause it didn't go through as a thumbs up better than 5.

By the way, Gene was very genuine and convincing in this video sequence. She perfectly displayed some building disillusionment gradually-did it to perfection instead of overplaying it. It was so cool.gnsback

[ZZTopRockman]

@shanghaibenny2 I just had to say that comment made me laugh so much,! Thank you for this excellent scene from this wonderful film!

[bigdisz]

"would you like me to say grace?" ....boy i would have slapped him.. but yes his dark side is one of the sexiest things ever!

[twiwonder]

@shanghaibenny2 haha. yes, true.

[MrShaun42088]

"I believe in myself. And i am answerable to myself.

I will not live according to printed mottos like the directions on a medicine bottle.."

[ronssexybikerbae]

His Dark side is very very sexy.

[pixi2nv]

he's so good looking! i looooove hiiim

[nenabunena]

@shanghaibenny2 This is the same rationale employed in a new promoted sergeant, he is transferred to a different platoon to ensure the loyalty of his men.

[twiwonder]

@twiwonder hm? what do you mean?