Yes, her character really grows throughout. Kind of like Colonel Blimp, she goes back in time with music, styles, customs, etc. to discover what really counts. The character development is so rich and economical. Catriona McLain, Colonel Barnstaple, and the others seem very real. The curse (and its final rendering through the remembered nanny) is perfect. “He shall be chained to a woman, and he shall die in his chains.” Now THAT’s romance.
Powell and Pressburger were amazing filmmakers.
We watched it last night because of this thread. The title is ironic of course, because her life instantly goes off track because she doesn’t have a clue about what she wants until she meets Roger Livesey. I love Pamela Brown in the film too - she’s the country girl with the wonderful deep voice and leonine hair.