In the Cool of the Day

Director: Robert Stevens Robert Stevens

Overview

In this drama of romantic intrigue and infidelity, Sam and Christine Bonner (Arthur Hill and Jane Fonda) are a married couple whose relationship has hit a rough spot. While Sam loves Christina very much and would do anything for her, she feels unsatisfied and suffocated by him; she wants more space for herself and would like to have a baby. Sam is more than willing to help, but matters become more complicated when he introduces Christine to Murray Logan (Peter Finch), a friend from work, and his wife Sybil (Angela Lansbury). Murray and Sybil are not at all happy together; ever since an auto wreck claimed the life of their son, Sybil has been emotionally on edge and blames her husband for the death of her child. When Murray meets Christine, he finds himself attracted to her; she is also interested in him, but neither are in a position to do anything about it. Sam arranges for the two couples to take a vacation to Greece together, hoping a change of scenery will bring a spark back into their lives. However, Sam's father Frederick (Alexander Knox) falls ill just as the couples are about to leave, and he's forced to stay behind. While in Greece, Murray and Christine finally succumb to their desires and begin an affair; an angry Sybil retaliates by both having a fling with a local man and spilling the beans to Sam about Murray and his wife. John Houseman, later to become famous as an actor, served as a producer on this film.

Product Details

Release Date:	02/16/2012
UPC:	0883316449400
Original Release:	1963
Source:	Warner Archives
Region Code:	A
Presentation:	[Wide Screen]
Sound:	[monaural]
Language:	English
Time:	1:28:00
Sales rank:	42,124

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits

Jane Fonda	Christine Bonner
Peter Finch	Murray Logan
Angela Lansbury	Sybil Logan
Arthur Hill	Sam Bonner
Constance Cummings	Mrs. Gellert
Alexander Knox	Frederick Bonner
Nigel Davenport	Leonard
John Le Mesurier	Dr. Arraman
Alec McCowen	Dickie Bayliss
Valerie Taylor	Lily Kendrick
Andreas Markos	Andreas
George Coulouris	Actor

Technical Credits

Robert Stevens	Director
John Houseman	Producer

Editorial Reviews

It's actually rather amazing that a film with the likes of Jane Fonda, Peter Finch and Angela Lansbury can be quite as dull as In the Cool of the Day, but unfortunately that is indeed the case. The chief blame rests with the screenplay (and perhaps the original book upon which it is based). Cool's script is simply tedious. It has the kind of plot that, handled with great care and crafted with a watchful eye on the line between pathos and bathos, can be the basis for a fine, absorbing drama, a character study that reveals universal truths. When not so handled, however, you get. . .well, Cool -- a meretricious, overwrought exercise in unmotivated action, shallow characterization and plodding plotting. Under the circumstances, the cast does the best that can be expected. Fonda comes off the worst, largely because she is cursed with one of the most hideous wigs ever foisted upon an actress; but even were her hair not a problem, her performance would be a bit too mannered to save the day. Finch comes off better, and Arthur Hill is quite fine. But only Lansbury really manages to rise above the material, turning in a strong, powerful performance and looking smashing into the bargain. Smashing too is the gorgeous Grecian scenery, captured so beautifully by Peter Newbrook's gentle camera.

All Movie Guide - Craig Butler