Edmund Goulding (1891-1959) director of "Claudia," certainly has a varied career. After a full stage acting period, Goulding went on as writer-director to make a total of a hundred films in 40 years.
Taking a statistical inventory on Goulding's film work, he wrote 62 scripts, directed 38 films; and composed songs, acted in and produced 5 films in each category.
Looking at "Claudia" one can see where his stage experience influenced his camera setups. Where other director's would have "cut" and "reset," Goulding's "takes" continue, with the camera fluidly following the action.
Many of his films tend to have their attention on death, including suicide. Examples of this include "Grand Hotel" ('32) "Dark Victory" ('39) "Razor's Edge" ('46) and certainly "Nightmare Alley ('47). [Interestingly, after a most impressive career, Goulding ended his own life in suicide at the age of 68.]
In "Claudia" Goulding benefits from two fine actors, Dorothy McGuire and Robert Young, who complement each other very nicely. The theme of death is prominent here, as a newly-wedded couple struggles with the imminent demise of the wife's mother.
The film is well-crafted, and in tune with the time in which it was made. "Claudia" is one of dozens of worthy efforts made by this most gifted film maker.
Taking a statistical inventory on Goulding's film work, he wrote 62 scripts, directed 38 films; and composed songs, acted in and produced 5 films in each category.
Looking at "Claudia" one can see where his stage experience influenced his camera setups. Where other director's would have "cut" and "reset," Goulding's "takes" continue, with the camera fluidly following the action.
Many of his films tend to have their attention on death, including suicide. Examples of this include "Grand Hotel" ('32) "Dark Victory" ('39) "Razor's Edge" ('46) and certainly "Nightmare Alley ('47). [Interestingly, after a most impressive career, Goulding ended his own life in suicide at the age of 68.]
In "Claudia" Goulding benefits from two fine actors, Dorothy McGuire and Robert Young, who complement each other very nicely. The theme of death is prominent here, as a newly-wedded couple struggles with the imminent demise of the wife's mother.
The film is well-crafted, and in tune with the time in which it was made. "Claudia" is one of dozens of worthy efforts made by this most gifted film maker.