Picturegoer – Aug 29th 1959
VIEWPOINT
OUR COVER STAR, Dirk Bogarde, is probably the most skilful tight- rope walker in filmdom today. Without displaying his private life like raw meat on a slab he has managed to acquire personal affection from millions of picturegoers. Without allowing the more envious columnists to inspect his bank statement, he has kept by and large – the respect and consideration of the press.
He has decisively proved that popularity can be won without loss of dignity. And this is a lesson that might be taken to heart by a number of neophytes, who start out in diaphanous nighties and then expect us to take them seriously when they claim to be Sarah Bernhardts.
This year will see whether his British acclaim can be repeated in the States. Three American-sponsored films, “The Doctor’s Dilemma,” “Libel” and “The Franz Liszt Story,” are assured of wide distribution over there.
But, whatever happens, Dirk Bogarde can be certain of a long and prosperous movie future in this country. I’ll refuse to acknowledge him only if Hollywood persuades him to bare his chest.
THE EDITOR
