Main Cast: Dirk Bogarde, Olivia de Havilland, Paul Massie, Robert Morley, Wilfrid Hyde-White
Release Year: 1959
Country: US/UK
Run Time: 100 minutes
Plot
A man is forced to prove who he really is -- and discovers that it isn't as easy as one might think -- in this drama. Sir Mark Loddon (Dirk Bogarde) is a titled member of the British aristocracy who lives a life of wealth, privilege, and notoriety, until one day Jeffrey Buckenham (Paul Massie), a pilot from Canada, makes a startling accusation. Buckenham and Loddon were both inmates in the same POW camp during WWII, and Buckenham is convinced that Loddon is not the man he claims to be; Frank Welney, an actor who was also a prisoner in the same camp, bore a striking resemblance to Loddon, and he is convinced that the actor has taken Loddon's place. The press picks up Buckenham's story, and the question of Loddon's identity becomes the talk of all England; Lady Maggie Loddon (Olivia de Havilland), Mark's wife, is deeply offended and insists that he sue for libel to restore his good name. Mark obtains the services of Sir Wilfred (Robert Morley), one of the nation's best-respected attorneys, but it soon becomes evident that proving Mark's identity in court may not be as simple as it might seem; Mark suffered severe head injuries during the war that cause him to stutter at times and also result in periodic spells of amnesia; the testimony of the many witnesses called by Sir Wilfred and his opponent, Hubert Foxley (Wilfrid Hyde-White), establish no clear consensus of who Loddon really is. Libel was based on the popular stage drama by Edward Wooll. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
Review
As a serious examination of identity, Libel falls short, but as a showcase for a sterling performance from Dirk Bogarde, Libel more than fits the bill. Of course, Libel was never really intended to be taken seriously as drama. It's a sleight of hand concept, and quite enjoyable, but its execution leaves a bit to be desired. There are a number of plot holes, such as accepting that Loddon's identity would not have been verified years before under general military procedure, and, of course, many will have a problem believing the very premise. Things are not helped by some arch and unbelievable dialogue which tries too hard to be "dramatic" and too often comes off as stilted. Still, the screenplay serves to provide Bogarde with ample opportunity to demonstrate his acting chops, and he does not fail. It's a wonderful tour de force performance -- or performances, as the case may be -- and Bogarde is simply riveting. As his wife, Olivia de Havilland is not given enough to do, but when given the chance -- as in the scene in which she turns on her husband -- she runs with it. Anthony Asquith's direction is fine, but, a few angular shots aside, visually unspectacular. A better screenplay would have improved matters, but as it is, Libel still succeeds as long as Bogarde is around. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide
Richard Wattis - Judge; Anthony Dawson - Gerald Loddon; Richard Dimbleby - Himself; Martin Miller - Dr. Schrott; Millicent Martin - Maisie; Bill Shine - Guide; Ivan Samson - Adm. Loddon; Sebastian Saville - Michael Loddon; Robert Shaw - 1st Photographer; Geoffrey Bayldon - 2nd Photographer; Gordon Sterne - Maddox; Arthur Howard - Car Salesman; Joyce Carey - Miss Sykes; Josephine Middleton - Mrs. Squires; Kenneth Griffith - Fitch; Barbara Archer - Barmaid; Anthony Doonan - Man at Bar; Vanda Hudson - Girl in Street; Dirk Bogarde - Frank Welney, No. 15
While traveling in London, Jeffrey Buckenham (Massie), a Canadian Second World War veteran, sees Sir Mark Sebastian Loddon (Bogarde) on television leading a tour of his grand family home. Buckenham was held in a German POW camp with Loddon, and while watching him, becomes convinced that he is in fact another former POW, Frank Wellney, an actor (also played by Bogarde). Buckenham publicly announces his suspicion that Wellney murdered Loddon during an escape from the POW camp, and has taken the young nobleman's place. Loddon sues Buckenham for libel, but his mind is still battered by some terrible incident that occurred during his escape fifteen years before, and in time even his loyal wife (de Havilland) begins to doubt him.
Notes
^ "Libel" by Edward Wooll played on Broadway for 159 performances in 1935-1936. IBDB "Libel"
