Even with the rather unimaginative script and lacklustre direction, WHITE MISCHIEF comes across as a good movie, largely because of the times and the place. But I cannot help feeling that a great opportunity was missed here to make a really memorable period piece considering the plot and setting. The fantastic location of Kenya's 'Happy Valley', the hedonistic lifestyle of the White settlers in the face of the war in Europe, the love triangle that led to Lord Erroll's murder and the subsequent dead-end investigation - all cried out for a more inspirational handling than the rather insipid effort by Michael Radford who both wrote the script and directed the film. Even Roger Deakins' cinematography was nothing to shout about.
Still, the film does manage to make something of a mark, thanks largely to great performances by Joss Ackland, Sara Miles and to some extent, Greta Scacchi. I debated for a while whether or not to buy the DVD and on balance decided that it was a worthwhile investment.
Still, the film does manage to make something of a mark, thanks largely to great performances by Joss Ackland, Sara Miles and to some extent, Greta Scacchi. I debated for a while whether or not to buy the DVD and on balance decided that it was a worthwhile investment.