MovieChat Forums > The Paradine Case (1948) Discussion > Ann Todd's beauty is astonishing, not so...

Ann Todd's beauty is astonishing, not so Alida Valli

posted 17 years ago by micaofboca-1
17 replies | jump to latest

I don't know how Alfred Hitchcock is so adept at finding and capturing the most alluring women in the world when he'd subjegated his own personal sexuality and underplayed it so much in his personal life. Ann Todd, who has obvious flaws in the softness of her visage is so remarkably photographed and directed here so as to thoroughly soften her entire presence. Her intimate scenes near the beginning with Gregory Peck are intoxicatingly romantic and captivating. Her very voice is softened as to make it delightful to the ears. Even staunchy old Charles Laughton was taken aback by her charm when he sits close to her and tries unsuccesfully to seduce her. I was so much more impressed by Ann Todd's beauty than the Anna Paradine character's (Alida Valli) cheap immature sexuality, I find it hard to believe he would fall for her damsel in distress act. Perhaps it's only my personal taste, but my God, what a Venus Gregory's wife was. Every scene she shared with him was enchanting and tastefully accompanied by beautiful music to embellish her warm grace. Nevertheless, cheers to Alfred Hitchcock and his delightfully naughty mischieviousness.

[–] hisgrandmogulhighness 17 years ago

Mica . . . agreed, I too thought Ann Todd was well cast in the part, and played her role well, and yes, she does have a certain allure about her . . . but there my agreement with you ends . . . reason: I adore Valli, and can easily understand why Peck became enamored with her . . . I don't blame him! And in this masterpiece movie, The Paradine Case, Valli is the prime female, Peck the prime male . . . in the London jungle, that is . . .

[–] liscarkat-2 16 years ago

Todd and Valli were attractive, but Joan Tetzel was the real beauty in this film.

It looked like they did a strange thing with Valli's eyebrows, plucking them where they followed the bone arch of her eye socket, then painting them on high above. This left the bald bone projection of the top of the eye socket below the eyebrow, an odd-looking effect.

[–] bluedamsel 16 years ago

I prefer Valli. She was gorgeous.

[–] hisgrandmogulhighness 16 years ago

yes, I agree, though I do like Miss Todd, I can easily see why Anthony Keene would go for Mrs. Paradine . . . I think Valli was perfect for this part

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[–] edward-miller-1 16 years ago

Alida Valli is breathtakingly beautiful in this movie, photographed with loving care by the legendary Lee Garmes. Granted that she didn't age well, and granted that she wasn't Garbo (who Hitch wanted to play Mrs. Paradine), Valli is a ravishing femme fatale. And I agree with a previous poster about Joan Tetzel; I've always been enamored of her.

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[–] 16 years ago

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[–] onepotato2 16 years ago

I was so much more impressed by Ann Todd's beauty than the Anna Paradine character's (Alida Valli) cheap immature sexuality.

by - micaofboca-1 on Sun Aug 26 2007 03:51:46
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She has a major scar between her eyebrows!!!! For god's sake.

[–] hisgrandmogulhighness 16 years ago

. . . okay . . . it could be a case where Ann was too icy . . . where as Alida was hot!
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[–] spoohadie 16 years ago

If you've read the book, the physical description of "Ingrid Paradine" fits Ann Todd to a tea. Gay Keane in the book has the dark hair. I have always been a fan of Ann Todd and I think she was excellent in The Paradine Case. However, I am fascinated by Alida Valli and I think she was perfect in the role as Hitch wanted it played. I don't know if he was happy with her performance or not. I know he didn't want her for the role.

Personally, I think Alida Valli is one of the most beautiful actresses of her day and I'm surprised she didn't become as big a star here in America as she was in Italy.

[–] eden_echo 16 years ago

Alida Valli was EXTREMELY pretty, I can see how Keane fell for her.

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[–] hisgrandmogulhighness 16 years ago

. . . once again Elisa, I concur . . . it's very easy to understand Keane's, shall we say, interest in Mrs. Paradine . . . most evident!

[–] RobbieCalifornia 14 years ago

Alida Valli was a very beautiful woman, every bit s much as Ann Todd. And what would a Hitchcock film be without a blonde co-star? He sure did have a thing for cool blondes. I've seen this film many times, and I always find something new to like. I loved seeing Ethel Barrymore and Charles Laughton as a married couple--he was quite hideous in this film.

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[–] hisgrandmogulhighness 14 years ago

Agreed . . . the scenes with Madame Barrymore & Laughton are fabulous . . . one of the joys of watching the film, is watching the two old pros go at it . . . and, yes, Alida was beautiful . . . this is the only film Hitch ever did with one of the Barrymores . . . .

[–] lizcarlo87 12 years ago

I think both of them are beautiful.

[–] hisgrandmogulhighness 12 years ago

Liz:

Agreed . . . each in their own way---both are attractive women . . .