Based on Terence Rattigan's play, Separate Tables is about a number of
characters and their adventures at a British seaside hotel. Among the
guests are an alleged war hero (David Niven), a timid spinster (Deborah
Kerr) and her domineering mother (Gladys Cooper), and a divorced couple
(Burt Lancaster, Rita Hayworth) trying to re-ignite their romance
despite the presence of his mistress (
Wendy Hiller).
All of the characters' lives become intertwined in the course of the
film as the story examines love affairs and secrets. Separate Tables is a
fine, textured drama, filled with terrific performances and was
nominated for several Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best
Actress (Deborah Kerr), Best Actor (David Niven), Best Supporting
Actress (Wendy Hiller), Best Screenplay From Another Medium, Best
Cinematography and Best Music. Niven and Hiller won Oscars for the film.
