John Barrymore and Donald Wolfit, extravagant performers both, have both had their wicked way with George du Maurier's famous creation Svengali, the mad artist-teacher who completely dominates his youthful pupil Trilby. Now the story is updated, none too convincingly, to allow Peter O'Toole's haughty imperiousness full range as a voice teacher training a young rock singer (Jodie Foster retaining her puppy fat in the Trilby role). Clearly relishing the script's ample opportunities for over-playing, O'Toole gleefully describes Miss Foster's voice as being `like raw meat'. He hasn't been as enjoyably excessive as this since his marvellous portrayal of the alcoholic film star in My Favourite Year.


©ipc tx. Film content from TVTimes