All the Fine Young Cannibals

All the Fine Young Cannibals is a 1960 American drama film that explores themes of love, passion, betrayal, music, and redemption. The film features a star-studded cast led by Robert Wagner, Natalie Wood, and Susan Kohner, making it a classic worth revisiting. It stands out for its engaging storyline, compelling performances, and striking cinematography that effortlessly captures the rich texture of the ‘60s.

This lively romantic drama directed by Michael Anderson centers around the lives of three main characters - Chad Bixby (Robert Wagner) an ambitious jazz musician, Catherine 'Catherine' McDowall (Natalie Wood), a rich rebellious woman intrigued by Chad's charm, and Sarah Salome Davis (Susan Kohner) a troubled woman with her past catching up to her.

As the narrative unfolds, Chad Bixby is convinced that only in the big city can he realize his dream of making it as a renowned Jazz musician. This is his leading motive to leave his small hometown and the love of his life, Sarah (Susan Kohner), behind. His actions spark a sequence of events that carries emotional ups and downs for all the three protagonists.

Sarah, distraught and finding herself pregnant with Chad's child, ends up marrying another man, Tony McDowall (George Hamilton), who agrees to accept the baby as his own. Soon after Sarah gives birth to a baby boy also named Chad. Concurrently, Tony's sister Catherine (Natalie Wood) is back in town and can't help but be enthralled by the charismatic, wayward musician who just happens to be Tony's wife's ex-lover.

Robert Wagner as Chad is captivating. He is charming and flawed, embodying a man struggling to balance his dreams with the reality of his actions. His powerful performance perfectly conveys the internal conflicts that a man in his situation would experience, making his character relatable and intriguing.

Catherine, played by Natalie Wood, is a sense of fresh air in the McDowall household. She exudes a fiery spirit and is determined to live life on her terms. Wood's portrayal effectively encapsulates Catherine's rebellious soul searching for a connection, which she believes she has found in Chad.

Susan Kohner as Sarah delivers an equally compelling performance. She flawlessly exhibits the character's complex emotions as a woman deeply in love but pushed into the turmoil of an unexpected marriage and motherhood.

The unfolding dynamic between these characters constitutes the focal point of the film. It explores human emotions and relationships through the entangled love triangle among Chad, Catherine, and Sarah, with the young boy Chad and Tony McDowall in the periphery.

The film is set against the backdrop of Jazz music, taking the viewers into the heart of the vibrant and passionate ‘60s jazz scene. The music element enhances the narrative of the movie, making it an audial treat beside a compelling story. The score adds another dimension of emotion as it weaves together the film's narrative and the essence of the characters.

The cinematography deserves a special mention as it is instrumental in creating the movie's mood and atmosphere. The film represents the struggle and aspirations that define the ‘60s by incorporating intricately designed sets and a play on lighting that backdrops this diverse decade.

Howard Thompson of The New York Times praised the film upon its initial release and commented that "For all its off-beat romantic fretting and strumming, which Mr. Anderson and his fine cast have palatably toned down, what emerges is a strikingly colorful, pleasant diversion."

All the Fine Young Cannibals is not just a drama film but a cherished cinematic experience. It has the perfect mix of romance and drama, underpinned by a fantastic score, riveting performances, and a sharp script. It’s a testament to the struggle of artists in pursuit of their dreams and the personal sacrifices they need to make along the way. This classic piece of cinema explores the complexities of love, longing, and relationships, making it a film that remains relevant and worth revisiting even six decades after its release.