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Title: An Enemy of the People
Review: There are two versions of this play by Henrik Ibsen on film in English. One made in 1977 with Steve McQueen un the starring role of Dr. Stockman, and a 1990 made for TV version, produced for PBS on an adaptation by Arthur Miller and with John Glover in the role of Dr. Stockman. The 1977 version with Steve McQueen is far superior. In the 1990 version John Glover is much too hyper. He is often just plain silly--or even stupid--and he does not make standing up for truth appear very noble. Actually, this film nullifies the entire intent of the play as written by Ibsen in that it discredits the whole idea of standing up for truth and right.Steve McQueen's performance is sensitive to Ibsen's original intent, a very fine piece of work.I would strongly recommend that anyone considering purchase of this film insist on getting the 1997 Steve McQueen version.I would have to struggle to give the John Glover version two stars. For Steve McQueen I would happily assign five.
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