"Tom Jones" tells of the adventures
and woes of an 18th century English playboy, who's experiences and
various romances entertainingly are told to us by a narrator, who
has a truthful outlook about not only his weaknesses and strengths,
but also about the behaviors of the people in the story, who have
their faults and strengths as well.
Tom Jones (Albert Finney), was thought to be born
out of wedlock, and was taken in by an English Gentleman, Squire
Allworthy (George Devine). One evening, Squire Allworthy, who
had just come back from a business trip, finds a baby boy lying
on his bed. He is told that the baby is the child of Jenny Jones,
and after sending the mother away, raises the baby as his own
son.
Tom Jones proves to be quite a handful; an incorrigible
young man, according to the story's narrator, Miche‡l Mac Liamm—ir.
It is evident that Tom has developed a taste for the wild life,
despite the efforts of his tutors and the pompous Rev. Thwackum
(Peter Bull ). It seems that Tom has a great weakness for women,
while being very fond of dear Sophie Western (Susannah York),
at the same time. Tempted by the morally loose Molly (Diane Cilento),
the daughter of Black George (Wilfrid Lawson), the game keeper
for Squire Allworthy, Tom beds the girl more than once, and when
Molly shows up at church in the family way, all eyes look at Tom,
further tarnishing his reputation. The guilt-stricken Tom finds
out by accident that she was bedding at least another man, but
his reputation is already hurt. His affair with doesn't sit well
with Squire Allworthy, and that causes trouble for him a little
later on.
Another problem faces our fallible hero, Tom Jones.
Squire Allworthy's sister, Bridget (Rachel Kempson), had married
a gentleman soon after Tom was born, and had a son, Blifil (David
Warner), making him Squire Allworthy's heir. Of course, a rivalry
between Tom Jones and Blifil over dear Sophie's affections escalates,
as Tom is more and more drawn to Sophie, as they both gradually
fall in love.
As a result of Tom's known affair with Molly,
and his newest assumed transgressions and this escalating rivalry,
his rival Blifil and other enemies plot to get rid of him when
events turn to their favor. One day Squire Allworthy and his sister
Bridget have a terrible carriage accident. Poor Bridget is killed
and Squire Allworthy is gravely ill, much to the joy of Blifil,
Rev. Thwackum and Blifil's father, as they would get their inheritance.
Tom is very upset, for he truly loves this man.
When Squire Allworthy recovers, Tom is so happy that he gets drunk,
and is found in the woods not far from Molly. Tom's enemies spin
false stories about Tom based on his past track record and these
newest faux pas. Tom is banished from Squire Allworthy's household,
which opens him up for some life-changing experiences.
On the road to London, he looses his 500 pound
note in an inn as a result of a brawl. As he continues his journey,
he gallantly fights off bad soldiers planning to rape a woman
of dubious character, Mrs. Waters (Joyce Redman). Tom Jones travels
ahead of Mrs. Waters in order to resist her sexual advances as
she tempts him.
This seduction continues through dinner at the
next inn where they stop at for the night. A favorite sequence
is an eating scene between Finney and Mrs. Waters, who lustily
eye each other, as they take part in a spicy, messy, banquet scene.
This is a fun, erotic sequence. It is predictable that Tom is
eventually worn down, but his proposed rendezvous is hilariously
interrupted by surprise visit of a menagerie of unexpected people.
And his adventures continue once he arrives at
London. Troubles galore await Tom Jones, but how he wiggles out
of each situation, nearly getting hanged in the process, makes
a very entertaining story, that is very humorous, and pokes fun
at the hypocracy of the upper class or establishment at the same
time. Many who prided themselves as being superior, blue blood
members of the upper-class, all have character flaws worse than
Tom's weaknesses. Trials and tribulations can mold and change
a man's way of thinking. Will Tom be able to change his ways because
of the trouble it causes him? Will he ever be given the opportunity
to win his true love and will his fortune change so he will be
saved from an untimely death and retain his rightful place?
The film is a classic because of the lively performances,
due to the wonderful cast of actors and actresses, brilliant screenplay,
gifted direction, and the wonderful narration and production values.
The film has great period sets, locations, and costumes. Fun,
fun, fun! The marvelous musical score, by John Addison won an
Oscar.
The fine, inspired and gifted direction was by
the talented Tony Richardson, who won the Oscar for his efforts
on "Tom Jones." Richardson had directed many stage plays, and
found directing films another way to express his talents and gifts
as a fine director.
This "ribald comic romp" of a screenplay by John
Osborne, was based on the 18th century satirical novel, written
by Henry Fielding, an early 18th century writer who specialized
in writing works that poked fun at the hypocracy of his English
society ("Lock Up Your Daughters" & "Joseph Andrews"). John Osborne
also won the Oscar for the best screenplay, adapted from another
source.
John Osborne and director Tony Richardson worked
together, forming a film company with others, called Woodfall
Films, at first making films out of Osborne's writings, notably
"Look Back in Anger," and "The Entertainer," which originally
had been plays, directed by Tony Richardson.
Albert Finney really shines in the title role
as Tom Jones, the lovable, good-hearted rascal who through all
his misadventures, learns the hard way what is important, and
finds that his randy behavior has consequences that are not always
easy to wiggle out of. Is it all worth it? What would be a more
positive way to behave?
Susannah York is delightful as the sweet, gentle
Sophie Western, who is attracted to Tom Jones, but is offended
by his ungentlemanly behavior with women who tempt him, which
doesn't make him good marriage material, unless he can commit
himself to just one woman. Despite herself, she finds herself
becoming more and more attracted to Tom Jones. When her father
tries to force her to marry Blifil, she runs away to London.
Well loved character actor, Hugh Griffith, is
perfect as the boisterous, overbearing Squire Western, Sophie's
father who is determined that his daughter will marry well.
This film also provided Lynn Redgrave's film debut,
as the memorable character, Susan at the Upton Inn.
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