Seance on a Wet Afternoon (1965) - John Barry

[Third Man]

I watched Seance on a Wet Afternoon (1965) the other day, does this have; one of the great unheralded John Barry scores? - Have to admit, I think it's one of my favourites, especially when Attenborough is roaring about on his motorcycle looking like a cross between deranged angelic cherub with flight gear on and a retired Hells Angel.



The music to me pretty much prefigures the eerie and mysterious sound that Barry used in the Ipcress File (1965) but with a bit more zest and lively spring to it - the flute is used very wryly - anyway thought I would get that off my chest - great film as well.



Attenborough picked some very intense film subjects and brought together some very interesting ideas and film making.



BRAVO !!



Simon

[Merton Park]

I would imagine that's more Brian Forbes than Attenborough. RA was the money man.

[Third Man]

I would imagine that's more Brian Forbes than Attenborough. RA was the money man.

Actually there was a typo in my post I should of said film makers, but I still do think it's Attenborough who seems to be the driving force in this film he not only provides the money ( which does enable a film to get made) but he takes the very self-effacing part of the milquetoast husband and really draws all the venom from the story: I think Attenborugh must of really believed in this film to take that part on - good on him.



Of course Kim Stanley is absolutely superb, easily in the class of Bette Davis as Baby Jane Hudson (What Happened to Baby Jane) and Gloria Swanson as Norma Desmond ( Sunset Boulevard).



Forbes wrote the script and did a good job of directing but it's Stanley and Attenborough who make the film what it is; and didn't Attenborough bring Stanley and Barry on board?





Simon

[Cooper S]

Saw this film for the first time recently and noticed that Gerald Sim's character seems to appear right at the beginning outside the kidnappers' house. Am I just stating the obvious in thinking that this implies that Sim's detective character is the real clairvoyant ? Sorry if this is me being a dunce !

[Klark Crass]

I agree - I got the films and the John Barry CD... but the thought of your wryly-used flute reminds me of Little Britain!

I watched Seance on a Wet Afternoon (1965) the other day, does this have; one of the great unheralded John Barry scores? - Have to admit, I think it's one of my favourites, especially when Attenborough is roaring about on his motorcycle looking like a cross between deranged angelic cherub with flight gear on and a retired Hells Angel.



The music to me pretty much prefigures the eerie and mysterious sound that Barry used in the Ipcress File (1965) but with a bit more zest and lively spring to it - the flute is used very wryly - anyway thought I would get that off my chest - great film as well.



Attenborough picked some very intense film subjects and brought together some very interesting ideas and film making.



BRAVO !!



Simon

[Third Man]

I agree - I got the films and the John Barry CD... but the thought of your wryly-used flute reminds me of Little Britain!

It would be a good subject for a Little Britain spoof.



Simon

[cretancorrespo]

Not sure if Seance has been issued on CD but I have a CBS LP with JB conducting his music from six James Bond movies plus The Chase, King Rat, Seance, The Ipcress File and Born Free. Pure nostalgia!