So Little Time (film)
| Company type | Film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Film industry |
| Founded | 1952 |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Products | Romantic drama film |
So Little Time is a 1952 British romantic drama set during World War II, directed by Compton Bennett and featuring performances by Marius Goring, Maria Schell, and Lucie Mannheim. Adapted from Noëlle Henry’s novel Je ne suis pas une héroïne, the film offers a sympathetic portrayal of German characters, which contrasts sharply with its harsh depiction of the Belgian Resistance. This uncommon viewpoint for the era generated debate among British viewers and critics alike. Marius Goring considered this role a personal favorite and one of his scarce romantic leads.
Plot
Set in occupied Belgium during World War II, Nicole de Malvines resides in a partially German-occupied chateau. Among the German occupants is Colonel Günther von Hohensee, a disciplined Prussian officer. Nicole, having suffered family losses due to the conflict, harbors deep resentment toward the Germans.
Despite their conflicting allegiances, Nicole and von Hohensee develop a connection through their shared love of music, especially piano, which blossoms into a covert romance. They risk attending an opera in Brussels together. Tensions escalate when Phillipe, Nicole’s cousin and head of the Belgian Resistance, urges her to obtain sensitive documents from Günther.
Recognizing the futility of their relationship, Günther’s former lover, opera singer Lotte Schönberg, encourages him to confess his feelings before it is too late. Although Günther acknowledges his love, he chooses not to reveal it to Nicole, instead preparing for reassignment to the front lines.
Following a confrontation sparked by Günther’s insult toward Nicole’s friend Gerard, the couple reconciles upon learning of Günther’s impending transfer. They declare their love but soon face betrayal. Nicole steals documents for Phillipe; during a violent encounter, Phillipe accidentally shoots her while attempting to kill Günther. She dies in Günther’s arms, who then takes his own life to avoid Gestapo capture.
Cast
- Marius Goring as Colonel Günther von Hohensee
- Maria Schell as Nicole de Malvines
- Lucie Mannheim as Lotte Schönberg
- Gabrielle Dorziat as Mme. de Malvines
- Barbara Mullen as Anna
- John Bailey as Phillipe de Malvines
- David Hurst as Blumel
- Oscar Quitak as Gerard
- Andrée Melly as Paulette
- Stanley van Beers as Professor Perronet
- Olga Lowe as Florine
- Harold Lang as Lt. Seger
- Alison Peline as Vivianne
- Jeremy Geidt as Gilles
- Arthur Mullard as driver
- Wolf Frees as German doctor
Production
Initially planned to be set in France with director Max Ophuls, the project shifted its setting to Belgium following objections from French officials. The film's funding was provided by the Elstree Group, an initiative supporting British cinema through the Associated British Pictures Corporation during the early 1950s, supplemented by resources from the National Film Finance Corporation. Filming took place at Elstree Studios, with Edward Carrick responsible for set design. Location filming occurred over twenty days in Belgium, primarily at Château de Sterrebeek near Brussels, which stood in for the Château de Malvines.
Music
The film's soundtrack includes classical piano compositions performed by the esteemed pianist Shura Cherkassky, featuring works such as Franz Liszt's Piano Sonata in B minor and Chopin's Études. Additionally, Mozart's aria Voi che sapete from The Marriage of Figaro plays a significant role, presented in German both by von Hohensee and during an opera scene set in Brussels. The on-screen piano performances are executed by Marius Goring, who was a skilled amateur pianist.
Reception
Upon its release in April 1952, the movie encountered varied opinions, largely due to its empathetic depiction of a German officer so soon after World War II. Marius Goring recognized the difficulty of the period, acknowledging that public attitudes towards Germans remained largely unfavorable.
The Times described the film as “a modest, sensitive, touching little film,” commending Goring’s compelling acting alongside Schell’s powerful portrayal, which helped transcend what was considered a “stuff and nonsense” storyline.
C.A. Lejeune from The Observer valued the film’s sentimental tone and visual charm, praising both Goring’s subtle performance and Schell’s emotionally rich presence.
Marjory Adam of The Boston Globe characterized So Little Time as deeply moving and sentimentally resonant, highlighting the profound nature of Nicole’s sacrifice and the delicate portrayal of love amid wartime hardships, with special recognition for the proficient performances by Goring and Schell.
Home media
So Little Time became available on DVD in November 2015. A German-language version entitled Wenn das Herz spricht (When the Heart Speaks) was issued in Germany in 2005.