Metro achieves in A Tale of Two Cities a screen classic. The two yawning pitfalls of spectacle and dialog have been adroitly evaded. The fall of the Bastille [directed by Val Lewton and Jacques ...

However, it could be argued that “A Tale of Two Cities” overplays the hand. There are times, too, when the narration from the original text becomes too cumbersome.

It is a tale known well, filmed many times over the years, but never better than this early black and white version from the MGM Studios, David O. Selznick producing. It was the best of times, it ...

Review: “The Tale of Two Cities” (2 stars) When: Through May 31. Where: Shattered Globe at Theater Wit, 1229 Belmont Ave. Running time: 2 hours, 25 minutes.