Leslie’s Journey

Leslie Howard was a Hollywood screen idol during the first decades of its golden era. Born in England with semi-Jewish heritage, he lived and worked in both England and  America; acting, directing, writing, and, it is alleged, spying for the British Government.

The film Leslie’s Journey documents Howard’s life, from his beginnings as a stage actor, to his rise as a box office attraction to the speculation of his involvement in espionage and propaganda in World War II.

As a documentary, it is unusual. There are very long sequences of newsreel and movie clips that are unaccompanied by commentary and don’t in themselves make any clear point. As a whole, the film is informative and entertaining in a general sense, but doesn’t present a clear narrative or an especially detailed biography of Howard.

Fans of movie nostalgia and war history will enjoy the generous selection of footage. Others may simply like the passive pace and pitch. (RB)

★★★

Screening at the Jewish Film Festival, Event Bondi and Hayden Orpheum, Cremorne. Tickets and info: www.jiff.com.au

BY RITA BRATOVICH