I recently watched this movie and then read the comments on IMDb.com which are without exception very enthusiastic. Did I miss something? Am I a dork without any real feeling left in me? Others will be the judges of that. Anyway, I felt this movie tells a very commonplace story of mediocre minds for which I found it hard to have much compassion. The conductor is basically an egomaniac, a man of whom all around him think as a genius (by the way: aren't all orchestra conductors fascists at heart??). Not a very pleasant or entertaining fellow to be with, really. The blond damsel is a cute groupie, overwhelmed by the adulation the genius basks in - and the splendid Rolls he commands through the streets of London and the English countryside. The "love" they experience is without motive, without past and certainly without future – yes, one may argue, that this is the essence of love, but it makes rather boring viewing if you can't identify with the characters. The affair is concealed from the conductor's wife, which I can only see as a strategic move beyond immediately felt surges of emotions. It may be argued, that nobody wants to hurt anybody, but the act of betrayal lingers on and for me spoils the moments of intimacy between the lovers which are played out as an animated fashion magazine.Not too long ago I also watched the "Interlude" directed by Douglas Sirk and released in 1957. I found it far more convincing and a truly moving melodrama, although the storyline is almost identical. It is a movie that works much better for me on the emotional level. The reason for that is, I believe, that the need for love can be felt more strongly. And there is an element that should always be present in a true love story: Surprise (at the world, the turn of events - and at oneself).

Attention to all who want to see this film released on DVD (or VHS, for that matter): Oskar Werner's son is trying to have this released. There is a petition on Oskar Werner's website to support this.http://de.geocities.com/oskarwerneronline/Please take a moment a sign it. This is a beautiful movie that deserves preservation and I know there are many fans who are dying to get a quality copy to watch. I have a copy made from TV (on VHS) but as many others have commented, it's grainy and has poor sound.

Such a lovely, passionate film and the music! Who can't visualize for their own lives falling in love with Oskar Werner after seeing INTERLUDE. This film absolutely reflects its time and attitudes: the mixture of elation and regret in an affair; the clothes everyone wore--the women so trendy with their short shifts and floppy newsboy caps and the men with the stovepipe trouser legs; the fabulous Rolls Royce. Love it! And did I mention the classical music! So superb with each recording being the definitive take with which I still compare all others. Scene after scene flits through my memory. Is it possible that the director was greatly influenced by the French and Italian films contemporary to INTERLUDE? I've always had that feeling re the scene of Stefan sitting with his wife on the garden bench, and the scene where he comes home late and turns on the stereo and goes outside to think with the music flowing over that expanse of English countryside. Wow! And the final scene where he tries to convince his love not to leave him; the emphasis Oskar places on some phrases-so natural, emotion-packed and so believable. And was there ever a better film music conductor? When you work at a studio, seeing the stars becomes commonplace. However, I made sure my path crossed Oskar's when he was on the Universal Studios lot back in the 70's making a COLUMBO, of all things. Hoping not to gush and embarrass him, I told him how much his work was appreciated, especially INTERLUDE. He was gracious but wary as he thanked me in that wonderful voice and went on his way to his dressing room. There was no one like him then and won't be. He was unique and the only actor I approached in such a manner and the only one I still miss. INTERLUDE is just an altogether wonderful film. Please, please, someone put it out on DVD. You'll make a mint!

Thanks to a contributor from Cleveland who mentioned bovinevideos.com as a place to find a copy of 'Interlude'. I ordered one today and will let you all know how the quality is. I'm not expecting anything great, but felt it was worth $20 to re-visit this old favorite of mine. Like most of the posters here, I saw 'Interlude' in the late '60's and loved it. I thought Barbara Ferris was charming, Oskar Werner was stolid but convincing as the conductor, and the music was just terrific. Buying the soundtrack album led me to appreciate some of the classical pieces which had previously been unfamiliar to me. And, of course, a little bit of the great Cleese couldn't hurt.Look for my memory lane post in a week or so. Let's see, the title song began, "Time....is like a dream...."