by Daniel White
Ooh, that wicked Gladys Cooper, she's up to her old tricks in Separate Tables (1958). First, in Now Voyager, she terrorized her mousy daughter, Bette Davis. Here, in this ensemble piece, she's bullying mousy daughter number two, played by Deborah Kerr. Directed by Delbert Mann, and based on two plays written by Terence Rattigan, it's a conventional flick that's fairly absorbing. Handled by a competent cast of pros, the content may seem tame by today's standards but the human emotions on display remain relatable.
Set in a seaside British resort town, the film recounts the emotional upheavals of a group of people living in a residential hotel. It takes place over a 24-hr period, which is the ideal amount of time to spend with these mildly-engaging folk. Any longer and you might find yourself stifling a yawn. David Niven has the most interesting tale to tell. He plays a bogus army officer who gets himself into a bit of a pickle when he's arrested for sexual impropriety in a movie theater (pinching female fannies).
Niven won the Oscar for best actor for his role and he's more than adequate, but nothing monumental. I suspect after over twenty years as a film actor you pick up just enough tricks to offer up a portrayal that your peers deem eligible for one of those coveted gold statues. Deborah Kerr provides some high-powered histrionics as a repressed woman browbeaten into hysteria by the formidable Miss Cooper (for top-notch camp value, Gladys delivers the goods better than anyone).
Rita Hayworth shows up as a pill-popping, aging American beauty queen, pining for ex husband, Burt Lancaster. As in Niven's case, lovely Rita gives a capable, if unexceptional performance.
The movie received a slew of Oscar nominations, winning for Niven, and a best supporting actress award for the excellent Wendy Hiller. She plays the no-nonsense manager of the establishment. A trained theater actor, Hiller is the real deal. She does not have to rely on gimmicks and quick cuts from the director to present a fully developed character.
Charles Lang's B&W cinematography is stellar and crooner Vic Damone sings the agreeable title song. All very good but nothing spectacular. Co-produced by Lancaster and distributed by United Artists, the film features Cathleen Nesbitt, Felix Aylmer, Rod Taylor and May Hallatt. Separate Tables is currently streaming on Tubi.
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