“In an atmosphere of latent tension, which Delbert Mann, the director, carefully generates and maintains as the significant mood of the film, the troubles of these people are entangled, complicated and resolved, so that the paltriness, shabbiness and pathos of their little backwater and self-centered existences are harrowingly exposed. […] Most brilliant and true of the performers is Deborah Kerr: She makes the shy and sad young woman who eyes the major come poignantly alive. And after her is Wendy Hiller, who is dignified, valiant and strong as the manager of the hotel.” Bosley Crowther: Screen: Rattigan Play; ‘Separate Tables’ Has Dual Premiere Here. In: The New York Times, 19. Dezember 1958.
“That Niven and Hiller are sublime is almost to be expected. But one watches Hayworth with genuine surprise, as the poignant divorcee watching her beauty slip away.” Vgl. Separate Tables: Review auf tvguide.com
variety.com
“Rattigan and John Gay have masterfully blended the two playlets into one literate and absorbing full-length film. […] David Niven gives one of the best performances of his career. Deborah Kerr is excellent as a plain, shy girl completely cowed by a domineering and strong mother, finely portrayed by Gladys Cooper. […] Lancaster turns in a shaded performance. Hayworth is equally good as his former wife.” Vgl. Separate Tables. In: Variety, 1958.
