Death Takes a Holiday

Director: Mitchell Leisen
Actors: Fredric March, Evelyn Venable, Guy Standing
PlotIn a whimsical twist on mortality, the story begins with Death, personified as a charismatic figure, growing curious about why humans cling so desperately to life and fear his arrival. Deciding to take a break from his usual duties, he assumes a human guise as "Prince Sirki" and visits an extravagant Italian villa, mingling with the elite. The arrival of this mysterious stranger immediately stirs intrigue and suspicion among the affluent guests, who are unaware of his true identity. His presence brings a strange atmosphere, as during his stay, no one anywhere dies.
As Prince Sirki, Death interacts closely with the villa's residents, forming a special bond with Grazia, a beautiful and introspective young woman who possesses an aura of melancholy and mystery herself. He is fascinated by their emotions, especially love, which he finds both baffling and enlightening. As they spend more time together, Death grapples with understanding the complexities of human feelings and the potent force that is love. This temporary respite from his eternal duties gives him a profound insight into what it means to live and cherish life. However, as time progresses, tensions begin to rise, leading to an inevitable turning point that will determine the fate of both Death and the humans he has come to understand.
Writers: Maxwell Anderson, Gladys Lehman, Alberto Casella
Release Date: 30 Mar 1934
Runtime: 79 min
Rating: Passed
Country: United States
Language: English, French, Italian
Physical Media Reviews
Death Takes a Holiday
Blu-ray Review
Score: 64
While 'Death Takes a Holiday' features impressive performances, it suffers from poor execution of its intriguing concept. The Blu-ray transfer shows some print damage, though some viewers may still appreciate its enduring allegory on life and death.