The Awakening (1954)

The Awakening Poster

"The Awakening" is a 1954 short drama film of Douglas Fairbanks Presents anthology series based on Nikolai Gogol's short story "The Overcoat".

Introduction
The Awakening is a British drama film from 1954 directed by Mario Zampi. The film stars noteworthy stars like Anna Neagle, John Robinson, Janette Scott, and Michael Wilding. The movie cleverly intertwines aspects of mystery, love, drama, and mental expedition.

Plot
The movie opens with scientist Anthony Lewis and his wife Eva living a comfy and steady life. The plot takes a significant turn when Anthony finds an ancient Egyptian sarcophagus while proactively researching for clues on how to combat carcinogens. A mystical cat amulet discovered in the burial place awakens a 3000-year-old cursed Egyptian queen, Tahira, who possesses Eva, changing her from a loving, docile female into a bold and passionate empress.

Tahira's Reign
As a possessed female, Eva begins to challenge the aggressive male society's standards. She grows aggressive, enthusiastic, and clashed. Her habits becomes irregular, and she exhibits goddess-like phenomena which alarm her friends and family. All of this is juxtaposed with her partner's ruthless dedication to his work and overlook of their relationship.

Romantic Interest
Gradually Eva, as queen Tahira, begins establishing romantic sensations for her spouse's coworker, Dick. This complex triangle aggravates stress among the characters, bringing depth and intrigue to the plot. On the other hand, Anthony, oblivious to his partner's change, stays engrossed in his research study. He studies the feline amulet, unaware that it holds a power beyond human understanding.

Conflict and Resolution
The climax constructs when Anthony finally finds out about Tahira's spirit possessing Eva. He battles with suspicion, anguish, and fear as he combats the supernatural powers dominating his life. The suspense heightens as he battles to break the curse to free his wife from Tahira's grip. The film fixes significantly when Anthony handles to trigger a counter curse versus Tahira. The spell is lastly broken, returning Eva to her previous docile temperament, and she fixes up with Anthony, ignoring her experiences as the reincarnated queen.

Retrospective Views
"The Awakening" uses a diverse story which encompasses the battle of a lady against gender-based discrimination. It does this through the channeling of a dominant Queen within Eva's character. Nevertheless, the immediate resolution, where the queen is represented as an unfavorable influence, can undermine this feminist angle. The movie also unintentionally highlights the effect of neglect in a relationship, as translucented Anthony's disregard of Eva's emotional requirements.

Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Awakening" is a detailed mix of ancient mythology, contemporary science, romance, and drama. The crisp shipment of supernatural aspects and the exploration of human psychology includes depth to its narrative. It eloquently illustrates the dispute in between rational science and illogical supernatural, between marital duty and passionate love, and eventually, in between the docility of an oppressed woman and the supremacy of an independent queen.

Top Cast

  • Buster Keaton (small)
    Buster Keaton
    The Man
  • James Hayter (small)
    James Hayter
    The Chief
  • Carl Jaffe (small)
    Carl Jaffe
    The Tailor
  • Lynne Cole
    The Girl
  • Geoffrey Keen (small)
    Geoffrey Keen
    The Supervisor
  • Douglas Fairbanks Jr. (small)
    Douglas Fairbanks Jr.
    Himself - Host
  • Lily Kann
  • Christopher Lee (small)
    Christopher Lee