The Razor's Edge (DVD, 2005)

From the moment that I began watching this movie, I was mesmerized by the Gene Tierney-Tyrone Power pairing. Although it is a black and white picture, she is absolutely stunning in the gowns she wore and beautiful to start with. He is tremendously handsome at this age in his life. I understand that the producers waited for him to return from WW2 to make this picture.

Apart from all that, what is so fascinating in the movie is the spiritual change that meditation brought to Power's character (Larry Darrell) in the movie. While some people are not evil but still selfish and controlling, others find a better life even though they may seem lost. This is the theme, I think, of this movie. We are all walking on the razor's edge.

Right after WWI, Isabel (Gene Tierney) is in love with Larry (Tyrone Power) and he with her, but he just doesn't want to settle down into a corporate job. She wants money and the best of everything, so the two decide to break up. She marries John Payne, has two children, and seems to have everything when he has a nervous breakdown when the stock market crashes. Larry, on the other hand, has nothing but travels all over the world seeking something and finally ends up at the top of the Himalaya Mountains deep into meditation and the finding of the self.

Eventually, the two reacquaint themselves in Paris. Larry helps Isabel's husband (John Payne) get better. It is obvious that Isabel is still in love with Larry; she still wears a ring that he gave her.

In a supporting role that won Anne Baxter an Academy Award, we see how a devasting event can totally ruin someone's life. A happy homemaker with a baby, she as Sophie loses everything and sinks quickly to the bottom of the whiskey bottle. Isabel really does her in at the end through jealousy of her relationship with Larry.

In another supporting role that won him an Academy Award nomination, Clifton Webb plays Gene Tierney's snooty uncle, Elliot Templeton, who is relieved when she marries John Payne, and carries this grudge throughout the movie.

Another odd thing in the movie is a character named Somerset Maugham, who really wrote the book and is played by Herbert Marshall. He appears throughout the movie to remind us of how great Larry Darrell is.

The Razor's Edge is a much better movie than "Of Human Bondage," also a Maugham book. You can't help but have more hope when it is done.

Tyrone and Gene were in fine form for this deeply moving experience into the
world of human desire and redemption. Clifton, as always, gives his snobbish
portrayal as only he can. This movie belongs in the AFI Hall of Fame, no dis-
likes. I bought this dvd to add to my Fox movie classics, as I am a student of
the old school of solid film making which as long since left Hollywood!

This is my favorite movie of all time....this one and the Bill Murray remake. This story about one man's search for the meaning of life is unforgettable and a must see...

This is A movie unlike any other,the characters are compelling and the story line is breathtaking. It is in black and white,yet you forget that as you watch it! Tyrone Powers should have won or at the least been nominated for his outstanding performance in this film.However Ann Baxter did win for best supporting actress and when you see this film you'll agree she deserved it!

I loved the actors in the movie the volume was too low though and im thinking it was because it was an older film. It was the first movie I saw with Tyrone powers and really enjoyed the actors . Thank you for your business

This version is great. Gene Tierney is an excellent bitch. The Bill Murray remake was good but I bought this version. This why they say the old movies are better then a lot of what comes out now.

A friend had wanted to review it at our little book club, but before the time of our meeting, he died of a heart attack. I got the movie and we watched it in memory of him, but it turned out to be one of my favorite movies. The theme is of a young man who is seeking the answers to the meaning of life. He was bold enough to do what he liked to do instead of what was expected of him Excellent!

Old movie special effects take away a bit, but otherwise a great story in the same vein as Siddhartha by Herman Hesse. Hard to beat Tyrone Power. The movie can give hope to anyone who is suffering or had a great loss.

One of the best pictures I have seen! Great actors and superb story. Teaches you the true meaning of life and character in a human being, beyond beauty. I have seen this movie many times and it never loses it's meaning and pleasure in renewing memories.