This is one of Bette Davis' better outings. She is often too emphatic in her performances but in this it works. The trick of lighting two cigarettes and handing one to Davis became famous and was referenced and parodied for years.
In my humble opinion, this is one of the most beautiful love stories ever to have graced the silver screen. I absolutely adore this film and especially Bette Davis' performance in it. And the ending is perfect.
There was a 'joke' among writers in Hollywood that every movie in the 1920's, 1930's, and 1940's could have been titled "Her Sacrifice": Example: "Stella Dallas" (1925); "Dark Victory" (1939); "Imitation of Life" (1934); "Mildred Pierce" (1945); and so many others!
This was very slow paced, but in the 1940's with only newspapers, radio and stage plays the movies were an extravagance that required dressing up, and going some distance from home. It was luxury on a budget. You valued those simpler times. You were able to be in the presence of Actresses like Bette Davis and escape from a World at War, so quoted my Mom when we watched this together.
One enjoyable feature of this film is the important role of wardrobe or costume design. Every outfit that Charlottes wears has significance to exhibit her internal state. And the reveal of her foot ware at the beginning of the film contrasting with the high-fashion shoes when she makes her first appearance on the boat is very meaningful.
Many films in that time period were heavily influenced by the concept of self-sacrifice, making compromises for the sake of love and featuring a bittersweet and/or ambiguous ending- and those aspects became even stronger during WW2 and for a few years afterwards. I personally enjoy the pace of the film; it allows me to fully digest the smallest of the actors’ movements, dialogue and facial expressions. I feel that I have entered their world, and savor it, similar to reading a long novel, such as something by Charles Dickens. Today’s world is continually in a big rush but that is a condition that might change.
Although I like “All About Eve” a tad better as a movie, I think that this is certainly Bette Davis’s best performance. I must admit that you are right, however, about it being a bit too slow and/or long, despite the tremendous acting by the principals. Still, I can’t think of a better movie on this theme---its emotional power is unforgettable. Gladys Cooper, the mother, was one of those “grande dames” of the British stage who made a mark on Hollywood too. Her performance in this brought her the first of three Academy Award nominations for best supporting actress. Once again, you have my sympathy regarding the YT police. I eagerly anticipated this movie as I saw that they took down two earlier posts.
Nice reaction, Shandor! Glad you appreciate vintage films. Now Voyager is a high-grade soap opera with top-notch production values, but it showcases a fine performance by Bette Davis during her peak Warners period. I look forward to your reactions to other Davis films: You are in for quite a ride, mister.
Very nice reaction (even if the movie tried your patience!). This was definitely what they called a "women's picture" back in the 1940s, because it dealt with a heroine's emotional and romantic difficulties. But the reason that it still touches viewers 80+ years later is that it gets the psychology right about how it feels to be the abused child of a cruel parent, even after you become an adult. Charlotte finds recovery through therapy and through Jerry's kindness, and then she passes on that kindness to Tina, and in helping Tina, Charlotte repairs the wounded child in herself. Many viewers don't like the ending, but the ending is actually psychologically correct, too. When abused children find ways to heal themselves as adults, they often find it difficult to participate in the societal traditions of marriage and children, because the damage in them is too great, so they seek non-traditional ways to find happy lives for themselves. And that's exactly what Charlotte does. It's amazing, really, that this film still speaks to people these many decades later.
Since you appreciate these old movies, I'm sure you'll like "Laura" made in 1944. High society mixed in with tough guys and dangerous dames. Gladys Cooper (playing mother) was only 20 years older than Bette and was quite a beauty. She obviously loved acting and was doing movies and television into her late 70's.
Bette Davis was famous for allowing herself to appear ugly if it was necessary for a role. No other star of the time would have let themselves look as frumpy as she does at the start of this picture.
Bette auditioned for the role of Scarlett in Gone With The Wind, but did not get the role. She did get the role of Jezabelle , another southern belle. Her talent was already there in early works like Of Human Bondage and The Petrified Forest with Humphrey Bogart and Leslie Howard, who was also in GWTW. Some of her best television appearances are her interviews on The Dick Cavatt Show in the early 70's. I love your reactions, You are the best one. I wish you would react to Gone With The Wind. It is the greatest of all the old movies. However, it is very politically incorrect, so you would have to present it with a disclaimer.
this is my favorite of her movies. Try not to focus on the silly plot. Bette Davis is one of the few actresses who would allow herself to be made ugly for a role. And the shot of her coming down the gangplank is the best scene in the movie.
If you want to see Bette Davis in a charming little comedy, try, "June Bride." Robert Montgomery (Elizabeth Montgomery / Samantha Stevens' dad) hilariously gets drunk on hard cider.
Bette said in a Dick Cavett interview that, in her mind, Charlotte and Dr. Jaquith ultimately got married and she joined him in his mental health work. ruclips.net/video/4wsgpF-InEY/видео.htmlsi=u8fu6_hJK_cQpqMe
This is one of Bette Davis' better outings. She is often too emphatic in her performances but in this it works. The trick of lighting two cigarettes and handing one to Davis became famous and was referenced and parodied for years.
In my humble opinion, this is one of the most beautiful love stories ever to have graced the silver screen. I absolutely adore this film and especially Bette Davis' performance in it. And the ending is perfect.
Next up for Bette, you must not miss THE LETTER. It’s dynamite! She's dynamite! . . . from the beginning!
Yes, one of the best opening scenes in the history of films.
Bette Davis, wonderful as always.
I'm so happy that someone has finally reacted to my all time favorite movie.
There was a 'joke' among writers in Hollywood that every movie in the 1920's, 1930's, and 1940's could have been titled "Her Sacrifice": Example: "Stella Dallas" (1925); "Dark Victory" (1939); "Imitation of Life" (1934); "Mildred Pierce" (1945); and so many others!
This was very slow paced, but in the 1940's with only newspapers, radio and stage plays the movies were an extravagance that required dressing up, and going some distance from home. It was luxury on a budget. You valued those simpler times. You were able to be in the presence of Actresses like Bette Davis and escape from a World at War, so quoted my Mom when we watched this together.
One enjoyable feature of this film is the important role of wardrobe or costume design. Every outfit that Charlottes wears has significance to exhibit her internal state. And the reveal of her foot ware at the beginning of the film contrasting with the high-fashion shoes when she makes her first appearance on the boat is very meaningful.
Many films in that time period were heavily influenced by the concept of self-sacrifice, making compromises for the sake of love and featuring a bittersweet and/or ambiguous ending- and those aspects became even stronger during WW2 and for a few years afterwards.
I personally enjoy the pace of the film; it allows me to fully digest the smallest of the actors’ movements, dialogue and facial expressions. I feel that I have entered their world, and savor it, similar to reading a long novel, such as something by Charles Dickens.
Today’s world is continually in a big rush but that is a condition that might change.
Sorry to hear about your struggle with your dad, Shandor. Don't give up hope.
Now Voyager is one of my favorite classic movies
I can’t explain my love for this film
Although I like “All About Eve” a tad better as a movie, I think that this is certainly Bette Davis’s best performance. I must admit that you are right, however, about it being a bit too slow and/or long, despite the tremendous acting by the principals. Still, I can’t think of a better movie on this theme---its emotional power is unforgettable.
Gladys Cooper, the mother, was one of those “grande dames” of the British stage who made a mark on Hollywood too. Her performance in this brought her the first of three Academy Award nominations for best supporting actress.
Once again, you have my sympathy regarding the YT police. I eagerly anticipated this movie as I saw that they took down two earlier posts.
Nice reaction, Shandor! Glad you appreciate vintage films. Now Voyager is a high-grade soap opera with top-notch production values, but it showcases a fine performance by Bette Davis during her peak Warners period. I look forward to your reactions to other Davis films: You are in for quite a ride, mister.
Very nice reaction (even if the movie tried your patience!). This was definitely what they called a "women's picture" back in the 1940s, because it dealt with a heroine's emotional and romantic difficulties. But the reason that it still touches viewers 80+ years later is that it gets the psychology right about how it feels to be the abused child of a cruel parent, even after you become an adult. Charlotte finds recovery through therapy and through Jerry's kindness, and then she passes on that kindness to Tina, and in helping Tina, Charlotte repairs the wounded child in herself. Many viewers don't like the ending, but the ending is actually psychologically correct, too. When abused children find ways to heal themselves as adults, they often find it difficult to participate in the societal traditions of marriage and children, because the damage in them is too great, so they seek non-traditional ways to find happy lives for themselves. And that's exactly what Charlotte does. It's amazing, really, that this film still speaks to people these many decades later.
I think you'll like Bette Davis' performance in 'Of Human Bondage' (1934) Also 'Dark Victory' (1939) is worth checking out.
Since you appreciate these old movies, I'm sure you'll like "Laura" made in 1944. High society mixed in with tough guys and dangerous dames. Gladys Cooper (playing mother) was only 20 years older than Bette and was quite a beauty. She obviously loved acting and was doing movies and television into her late 70's.
I love this film I think it’s Bette’s best film
I'm glad that you finally admitted that you enjoyed this film. It's one of the best performances of Bette Davis.
Bette Davis was famous for allowing herself to appear ugly if it was necessary for a role. No other star of the time would have let themselves look as frumpy as she does at the start of this picture.
Bette auditioned for the role of Scarlett in Gone With The Wind, but did not get the role. She did get the role of Jezabelle , another southern belle. Her talent was already there in early works like Of Human Bondage and The Petrified Forest with Humphrey Bogart and Leslie Howard, who was also in GWTW. Some of her best television appearances are her interviews on The Dick Cavatt Show in the early 70's. I love your reactions, You are the best one. I wish you would react to Gone With The Wind. It is the greatest of all the old movies. However, it is very politically incorrect, so you would have to present it with a disclaimer.
I really like Bette Davis in 'Another Mans Poison' you should check that one out!
this is my favorite of her movies. Try not to focus on the silly plot. Bette Davis is one of the few actresses who would allow herself to be made ugly for a role. And the shot of her coming down the gangplank is the best scene in the movie.
I would guess that this movie resonates more with women than men. Especially those of us with cruel, overbearing mothers.
If you want to see Bette Davis in a charming little comedy, try, "June Bride." Robert Montgomery (Elizabeth Montgomery / Samantha Stevens' dad) hilariously gets drunk on hard cider.
Bette said in a Dick Cavett interview that, in her mind, Charlotte and Dr. Jaquith ultimately got married and she joined him in his mental health work.
ruclips.net/video/4wsgpF-InEY/видео.htmlsi=u8fu6_hJK_cQpqMe
I love this film. But no wonder everyone died of cancer with the amount of smoking that went on.
Paul Heinreid is handsome
Too slowly paced? Why do you want the plt slammed in. Your face at 75 mph?