So Little Time

Adapted from a novel by French author Noelle Henry, Compton Bennett's drama was one of the first British features in the post-war era to consider the notion of "the good German". Initially, Marius Goring epitomises Prussian stiffness as, during the Second World War, he takes over as military governor of Brussels. However, once ensconced in the requisitioned home of Nicole de Malvines (Maria Schell), he discovers a mutual love of Chopin and Liszt. Indeed, his offer of piano tuition leads to a clandestine romance that Nicole has to hide from a cousin in the resistance, who wants her to steal some important documents. The narrative inevitably drifts into melodrama to prevent Schell seeming complicit with the enemy. But while the performances are sincere, one can't help wondering how the great Max Ophuls would have directed the material, had he not withdrawn after the French authorities refused permission for location shooting, and the setting was switched to Belgium.