Is A Caprice of Darling Caroline Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1953)

📖 The Core Premise

A Caprice of Darling Caroline returns to the screen in 1953, bringing a fresh narrative to the Romance, War genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Caroline de Bienre, the 16-year-old daughter of French nobility, meets the handsome rogue, Gaston de Sallanches, who is expected to ask for the hand of her older, plainer sister in marriage. Gaston instead joins Caroline in her secret hiding place in the château's attic, where the infatuated Caroline begins an affair with him. Meanwhile, she is being courted by the dull, sincere Livio, but holds him off since she is in love with Gaston. When the revolution of 1789 breaks out Caroline is sent to a convent but her carriage is waylaid. She escapes and makes her way to Gaston's home, where she finds him in the arms of his mistress. She is angry and then agrees to marry Livio, now an out-of-favor revolutionary and a marked man, and Caroline is also now on the death list."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Martine Carol attempts to elevate the material, but the direction leaves them with little to work with. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Romance. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is A Caprice of Darling Caroline worth your time? If you appreciate Romance, War films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, A Caprice of Darling Caroline misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 105 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.