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A Tale of Two Cities Overview:

A Tale of Two Cities (1935) was a Drama - Historical Film directed by Jack Conway and Robert Z. Leonard (uncredited) and produced by David O. Selznick.

SYNOPSIS

In a striking adaptation of the oft-filmed Dickens tale set during the French Revolution, Colman portrays Sydney Carton, a carefree lawyer who springs into action, aiding victims of the Reign of Terror, sparking love and, eventually, an ultimate sacrifice. Haunting, dark photography adds mood to the proceedings, and the supporting performances are all standouts (in particular, screen rookie Yurka's Mme. Defarge). This was an immediate blockbuster and boosted Selznick's fortunes. Jacques Tourneur directed the second-unit crowd scenes.

(Source: available at Amazon AMC Classic Movie Companion).

Academy Awards 1936 --- Ceremony Number 9 (source: AMPAS)

AwardRecipientResult
Best Film EditingConrad A. NervigNominated
Best PictureMetro-Goldwyn-MayerNominated
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A Tale of Two Cities BlogHub Articles:

A Tale of Two Cities (1935)

By 4 Star Film Fan on Dec 23, 2017 From 4 Star Films

It’s no surprise that this adaptation begins with that oft-repeated bit of poetic parallelism. “It was the best of times it was the worst of times” etc. Of course, in its abridged format the opening suggests the universal quality of those iconic words. It was a period very much li... Read full article

A Tale of Two Cities (1935)

By 4 Star Film Fan on Dec 23, 2017 From 4 Star Films

It’s no surprise that this adaptation begins with that oft-repeated bit of poetic parallelism. “It was the best of times it was the worst of times” etc. Of course, in its abridged format the opening suggests the universal quality of those iconic words. It was a period very much li... Read full article

A TALE OF TWO CITIES (1980)

By Dan Day Jr. on Apr 22, 2016 From The Hitless Wonder Movie Blog

One would assume that after the huge success of STAR WARS, Peter Cushing might have gotten the opportunity to work on any number of enticing projects. But that simply wasn't so. Most of the films Cushing worked on after STAR WARS and before his mid-1980s retirement are either almost impossible to fi... Read full article

A Tale of Two Cities (1935)

By Beatrice on May 4, 2013 From Flickers in Time

A Tale of Two Cities Directed by Jack Conway 1935/USA Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Repeat viewing This is a fairly faithful adaptation of the Dickens novel.  The evil Marquis St. Evremonde (Basil Rathbone) denounced Dr. Manette and had him imprisoned without trial in the Bastille for 18 years.  Manette... Read full article

A Tale of Two Cities (Ralph Thomas, 1958)

By Judy on Dec 18, 2012 From Movie Classics

Dirk Bogarde as Sydney Carton In the UK, the 1958 Rank Organisation adaptation of A Tale of Two Cities, starring  Dirk Bogarde, is probably better-remembered than the 1935 MGM version. The 1950s film is the one that’s widely available here (there’s even a special edition DVD), whereas ... Read full article

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A Tale of Two Cities Quotes:

[the mercenary troops are marching through Paris]
Jacques 116: How many thousands of these foreign soldiers are they bringing in?
Madame De Farge: It doesn't matter how many; it will do them no good.
The Vengeance: It will do them no good. Ha!
Madame De Farge: The starving people of Paris might wait a long time before rising up to fight French soldiers; but against hired, foreign troops... any day... any hour...
The Vengeance: Any minute!
Sydney Carton: Keep your eyes on me. Mind nothing else.
Seamstress: I can bear it so long as I'm near you.
Sydney Carton: My poor child. It isn't understanding we need now. It's courage.
Seamstress: You're going to die in his place. Why?
Sydney Carton: He is my friend.
Seamstress: You're so brave... When we go to the guillotine, will you let me hold your hand? That might give me courage, too.
Sydney Carton: Yes. I'll hold it to the last.
Seamstress: To the last.
Sydney Carton: Yours is a long life to look back on, Mr. Lorry?
Jarvis Lorry Jr.: I'm 78.
Sydney Carton: Long life... useful one.
Jarvis Lorry Jr.: A solitary bachelor - nobody would weep for me.
Sydney Carton: Wouldn't SHE weep for you? [refers to Lucie]
Jarvis Lorry Jr.: Yes, thank God. I didn't quite mean what I said.
Sydney Carton: It is a thing to thank God for, isn't it. Tell me, if you looked back on that long life and saw that you had gained neither love, gratitude nor respect of any human being... it would be a bitter reflection, wouldn't it?
Jarvis Lorry Jr.: Why yes, surely.
C.J. Stryver: [in court] Mr. Barsad, have you ever been kicked?
Barsad: Certainly not.
C.J. Stryver: Come, come, Mr. Barsad, weren't you one time kicked downstairs?
Barsad: Well, once I was kicked at the top of the stairs, but I fell down the stairs of my own will and wolition.
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A Tale of Two Cities Facts
Actor Ronald Colman agreed to play the role of Sydney Carton with the sole condition that he not also be required to play the role of Charles Darnay, as was usually expected in adaptations of the Dickens novel. The plot of 'A Tale of Two Cities' turns on the physical resemblance between the two characters. Colman had long wanted to play Sidney Carton, and was even willing to shave off his beloved mustache to play the part.
This marked the last time that Ronald Colman agreed to shave his trademark mustache for a film.
"Lux Radio Theater" broadcast a 60 minute radio adaptation of the movie onJanuary 12, 1942 with Ronald Colman reprising his film role.
"Lux Radio Theater" broadcast a 60 minute radio adaptation of the movie onMarch 18, 1946 with Ronald Colman reprising his film role.
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