The Go Between (1971) (Vintage Classics)

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Based on the novel by L.P Hartley and adapted by Harold Pinter, The Go-Between stars Julie Christie as Marian, about to be engaged to Hugh (Edward Fox), a well-bred viscount and her perfect match. Over the course of a sweltering Norfolk summer in 1900, young Leo (Dominic Guard), becomes besotted with the vivacious Marian whilst staying at their house. Innocent of romantic and sexual matters, he unwittingly becomes a pawn in the forbidden romance between her and eminently unsuitable local farmer Ted Burgess (Alan Bates). As the oppressive heat intensifies so too does Leon's burgeoning adolescent questioning of love, attraction and the rules of the upper class that he doesn't really belong to. Both a beautifully subtle critique of the English class system and a visual masterpiece that perfectly captures the timeless beauty of an English Edwardian summer, The Go-Between won director Joseph Losey the Grand Prix (now the Palme D'Or) at Cannes Film Festival in 1971.