Burning Secret

Based on a short story by Stefan Zweig, this limited-release film deserves a wider audience. Set in Austria in 1919, the film follows the budding affair between Sonya (Faye Dunaway), the wife of an American diplomat, and the charming Baron Alexander (Klaus Maria Brandauer). The Baron makes his inroads into Sonya's heart through her asthmatic son Edmond (a surprisingly mature performance by young newcomer David Eberts). When Edmond discovers the true nature of the Baron's intentions, he tries to shield his mother from what he perceives as harm. The shock of his discovery about the way adults are propels him prematurely across the line that separates the innocent boy from the knowledgeable adolescent. Burning Secret is a lovingly shot winter drama, which features both a strong storyline and an excellent set of performances. German actor Brandauer is, as always, an incredibly charismatic screen presence. Highly recommended.(R. Pitman)