Joseph L. Mankiewicz makes a memorable directorial debut in this Twentieth Century Fox classic starring Gene Tierney and Vincent Price.
The Production: 3.5/5
Dragonwyck is the final on-screen pairing of legends Gene Tierney and Vincent Price, as well as the directorial debut of prestigious writer-director Joseph L. Mankiewicz. An adaptation of a popular novel by Anya Seton, the legendary filmmaker Ernst Lubitsch was set to produce until a series of clashes with director Mankiewicz led to Lubitsch abandoning the project. The film is a bit of a departure from the work Mankiewicz would become best known for (All About Eve, Cleopatra), but predicts the type of role that Price would return to repeatedly in the latter part of his career.
Gene Tierney is instantly likable as Miranda, a poor farmer’s daughter who receives a lifeline out of her pious household when a distant cousin sends a letter requesting her presence at his estate, Dragonwyck Manor. Miranda’s father Ephraim (Walter Huston, strict in the role but not without warmth) is concerned about Miranda leaving, but the allure of Hudson Valley luxury is too enticing for her to resist. The cousin, Nicholas Van Ryn (Price), has an ill wife (played by Vivienne Osborne) and a young daughter (played by Connie Marshall) in need of a governess. Price is obviously attracted to Tierney, but keeps the relationship on more friendly terms.
While at Dragonwyck, Tierney comes to know Price’s daughter, as well as the local medicine man, Dr. Jeff Turner (Glenn Langdan), who develops feelings for Tierney that she doesn’t entirely return. Meanwhile, as a wealthy landowner who leases his lands to sharecroppers, Price must deal with an unruly group of farmers led by Klaas Bleeker (played by Henry Morgan) who are losing their patience after generations of indentured servitude has left them with nothing of their own. If Price is loathed by the locals, he’s not held in high regard by the servants of Dragonwyck either, who believe the mansion to be cursed.
Price’s marriage is falling apart due to his wife’s illness and his own unfulfilled desire to have a son. When his wife dies unexpectedly, Price immediately confesses his interest in Tierney, initially driving her away, but ultimately winning her over. But their happiness is short lived, as Tierney begins to see Price’s true colors, and suspects that all might not be as it seems on the estate.
Video: 4/5
3D Rating: NA
Dragonwyck is presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.37:1 in a 1080p transfer that utilizes the AVC codec. The master provided by Twentieth Century Fox is a quality affair, marred only slightly by the use of a less than perfect element. Though daytime shots and well lit interiors tend to look very good, some of the darker shots lack shadow detail, and on the whole, blacks aren’t always crisp. Still, the presentation is almost entirely free of dirt, debris, scratches and other age-related artifacts, and is generally quite pleasing. The film has been divided into 25 chapters.
Audio: 5/5
The mono audio is presented in a DTS-HD MA 2.0 track that sounds quite good. (The packaging incorrectly notes it as 1.0.) Dialogue is well recorded and clear, and music and effects are well mixed. Alfred Newman’s score perfectly compliments the visuals. There are no issues with hiss or any other age-related problems. Optional English SDH subtitles are also available.
Special Features: 4.5/5
Isolated Score Track – Presented in DTS-HD MA 2.0 stereo. The track also includes a little bit of the raw audio of the orchestra preparing to record each cue and/or commenting at the conclusion of each cue, making it a unique look into the scoring process.
A House Of Secrets: Exploring Dragonwyck (16:33, SD) – This short documentary provides an overview of the production of the film, including information on Ernst Lubitsch’s departure from the project, and helps place the film in the context of the studio’s output from that period.
Audio Commentary with film historian Steve Haberman and filmmaker Constantine Nasr – This track is ported over from the original DVD release, and features a lively and well-researched conversation that expands upon the information provided in the featurette. Haberman and Nasr have good chemistry and are eager to discuss the film, providing scene-specific observations as well as more general notes which examine the overall production and how the film fits into the careers of Mankiewicz, Tierney and Price. They note some similarities between this film and Jane Eyre which I had thought about while watching the film. The commentators also have a bit of fun in a good natured debate over whether the film is more appropriately labeled “gothic romance” or “horror” before concluding that it is “gothic horror.”
Gene Tierney: A Shattered Portrait (44:23, SD) – This episode of A&E Biography presents an overview of Tierney’s life and career.
Vincent Price: The Versatile Villain (44:16, SD) – This episode of A&E Biography provides a look at Price’s career onscreen, as well as his pursuit of fine art offscreen.
Original Theatrical Trailer (02:16, SD) – The trailer is in poorer condition than the film, and pitches that this adaptation of Anya Seton’s novel will be enjoyable to fans of the film Rebecca. It emphasizes the romance of the story, while downplaying the mystery/horror aspects.
Dragonwyck Vintage Radio Shows – Two different audio productions of Dragonwyck are presented here. The first and best, performed by Price and Tierney, was originally broadcast on October 7th, 1946 and is an hour-long presentation that includes the original sponsor ads. The second, performed by Price with Teresa Wright subbing in for Tierney, is a half-hour presentation originally performed on January 20th, 1947. The shorter running time results in too much of the story being condensed, and Wright is not as compelling in the role as Tierney was.
Six-Page Booklet – The booklet features liner notes by Julie Kirgo detailing the production of the film and comparing it to other gothic romances of its time, along with production stills and original poster art.
Overall: 4/5
Dragonwyck is a gothic romance film that strays into horror territory. With compelling leading performances from Gene Tierney and Vincent Price, excellent supporting work from Walter Huston, Glenn Langan, Anne Revere, Henry Morgan, and even a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it appearance from Jessica Tandy, fans of old Hollywood should be delighted with both the film itself and its presentation here on disc. A generous array of bonus features shed light on the film’s production and its stars. There are only 3,000 copies of this Blu-ray available. Those interested in purchasing it should go to either www.twilighttimemovies.com or www.screenarchives.com to see if product is still in stock. Information about the movie can also be found via Facebook at www.facebook.com/twilighttimemovies.
Josh’s fate as a physical media enthusiast was probably sealed the moment he figured out how to operate a top-loading VCR before he even knew how to walk. Since graduating with a degree in film production, he has enjoyed a career focused on the archival and distribution side of film and television. These days, Josh thinks of himself as a proud father of twins first. He would like to thank his wife for her unwavering support, and for every typo she’s ever caught.
Post Disclaimer
Some of our content may contain marketing links, which means we will receive a commission for purchases made via those links. In our editorial content, these affiliate links appear automatically, and our editorial teams are not influenced by our affiliate partnerships. We work with several providers (currently Skimlinks and Amazon) to manage our affiliate relationships. You can find out more about their services by visiting their sites.
Similar threads