I have an older copy of this film, and saw it as a kid. Many good films have weak dialogue, but it is the dialogue and carefully set up plot that takes this film to a higher level. There is no fluff, every scene is carefully laid out and illuminated with eloquent dialogue. You get a story that plainly spells out a specific moral dilemma and shows how it plays out among the characters, and the tragedy that ensues. It brings the period alive, and ALL the acting is first rate. The cinematography is goregious to look at. This film has it ALL. First Class entertainment, all the way!