Il segreto della vecchia signora

Enchanting family film depicts the overnight adventures of two siblings from a wealthy family who hideaway overnight in the local museum to cure their boredom. They become fascinated with a statue and find that its previous owner (Bergman), while reclusive and seemingly unkind, is actually a benevolent art lover who becomes taken with the older sister in whom she sees her reflection as an adolescent.

Bergman is heavily caked in make-up and is consequently witch-like in appearance, but her elegance remains unmistakable. Her affection for the little girl is heart-warming, revealing the treasures she and her late husband coveted and offers a glimpse into her lonely, withdrawn existence since the death of her beloved. For a brief moment, her enthusiasm and kind-heartedness is restored by the presence of the youngsters and as Bergman's character closes in freeze frame, you wonder if their impact will be long-lasting.

I found the film's score moving, the scenery colourful and the characterisations earnest. Overall, an unexpectedly humble but enjoyable picture elevated by Bergman's presence and a little bit special as a result.