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.
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.
Glad you have watched this film I did recommend. Bette Davis also played an amazing character in All This and Heaven Too. This movie is based on a novel relating historical facts, I can’t give any clear opinion about her weakness in this film but I think you could find it interesting ! Greetings from France 🇫🇷
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Oh, and you're right about the sound track! They would often use the same ones on different movies, it saved money. In fact, when Joan Crawford went to work at Bette's studio, Warner Bros., in 1943 and started to make hit films there by 1945, Bette was known to often complain that they used the same music as in her films! I think perhaps it was also in Joan's big hit movie of the time, "Mildred Pierce", perhaps that's where you heard it before. It may also have been used in other films, for all I know. It probably would have been seen as 'generic romance music' and reused as such. But, of course, we feel that that's lazy today, but that was a part of the studio system production line.
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.
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.
Good reaction. This movie is pure fantasy. It was made in 1942 but the War does not exist in it. All the characters are rich so they don't have to worry about mundane things like finding money for rent and food. The psychiatrist becomes a good friend and even lets his unqualified patient take over the care of another patient. It was the perfect vehicle for ladies to spend a couple of hours enjoying fashionable clothes and luxurious locations and forgetting about the worries of the War - and who doesn't love a good makeover?
Watching these Bette Davis movies, ('Dark Victory" was another one) one is reminded that she not only played expulsive, volatile characters who shouted and had hysterics, but also had some very good roles of subdued characters who (most of the time) kept their feelings in check. That showed Bette's range, so that when we do see her in her more extroverted roles, we can appreciate it all the more. Good choice for a movie review. You'd probably like 'Dark Victory' (1039). And, just anecdotally, she never forgave Irving Rapper, the director on this film, for later not casting her as the lead character in "Come Back, Little Sheba", (1952). Instead, the part went to Shirley Booth, for which she won an Oscar. Bette was outraged and would denigrate poor Rapper in interviews in later life. But, she did get along with co-star Paul Henreid, (Jerry, here) and would later choose him to direct her 1964 horror movie, "Dead Ringer"! And she also admired and respected Gladys Cooper, who played her mother here. She had a small role in 'Rebecca', (1940) as Max's sister, perfect casting. Wonderful actress.
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.
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 am one of the lifetime Bette Davis fans. I will tell you the best ones, I think, to see. When you did "Baby Jane" someone suggested "Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte", which was a pseudo sequel to "Jane", though not exactly. Several of the same actors, different plot, different characters, but much similarities. I found "Charlotte" to be every bit as good as "Jane". Also, see "The Little Foxes" and "The Letter". (of interest: Davis was the first pick for Scarlett in 'gone with the wind', but she was already doing "Jezebel", in which she played a character almost exactly like Scarlett. She won her second Oscar in this. Odd that she won an Oscar playing a character they wanted her to play in a blockbuster movie that came out the very next year. She had already played a "scarlett" the year before)
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
I'm so happy that someone has finally reacted to my all time favorite movie.
Now Voyager is one of my favorite classic movies
I can’t explain my love for this film
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.
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.
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.
Glad you have watched this film I did recommend.
Bette Davis also played an amazing character in All This and Heaven Too.
This movie is based on a novel relating historical facts, I can’t give any clear opinion about her weakness in this film but I think you could find it interesting !
Greetings from France 🇫🇷
Bette Davis, wonderful as always.
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.
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.
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!
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.
I think you'll like Bette Davis' performance in 'Of Human Bondage' (1934) Also 'Dark Victory' (1939) is worth checking out.
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.
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.
Oh, and you're right about the sound track! They would often use the same ones on different movies, it saved money. In fact, when Joan Crawford went to work at Bette's studio, Warner Bros., in 1943 and started to make hit films there by 1945, Bette was known to often complain that they used the same music as in her films! I think perhaps it was also in Joan's big hit movie of the time, "Mildred Pierce", perhaps that's where you heard it before. It may also have been used in other films, for all I know. It probably would have been seen as 'generic romance music' and reused as such. But, of course, we feel that that's lazy today, but that was a part of the studio system production line.
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.
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.
Good reaction. This movie is pure fantasy. It was made in 1942 but the War does not exist in it. All the characters are rich so they don't have to worry about mundane things like finding money for rent and food. The psychiatrist becomes a good friend and even lets his unqualified patient take over the care of another patient. It was the perfect vehicle for ladies to spend a couple of hours enjoying fashionable clothes and luxurious locations and forgetting about the worries of the War - and who doesn't love a good makeover?
Watching these Bette Davis movies, ('Dark Victory" was another one) one is reminded that she not only played expulsive, volatile characters who shouted and had hysterics, but also had some very good roles of subdued characters who (most of the time) kept their feelings in check. That showed Bette's range, so that when we do see her in her more extroverted roles, we can appreciate it all the more. Good choice for a movie review. You'd probably like 'Dark Victory' (1039). And, just anecdotally, she never forgave Irving Rapper, the director on this film, for later not casting her as the lead character in "Come Back, Little Sheba", (1952). Instead, the part went to Shirley Booth, for which she won an Oscar. Bette was outraged and would denigrate poor Rapper in interviews in later life. But, she did get along with co-star Paul Henreid, (Jerry, here) and would later choose him to direct her 1964 horror movie, "Dead Ringer"! And she also admired and respected Gladys Cooper, who played her mother here. She had a small role in 'Rebecca', (1940) as Max's sister, perfect casting. Wonderful actress.
Paul Henried started a huge trend around the world when he put two cigarettes in his mouth and lit them both! Men everywhere copied that!
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.
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 am one of the lifetime Bette Davis fans. I will tell you the best ones, I think, to see. When you did "Baby Jane" someone suggested "Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte", which was a pseudo sequel to "Jane", though not exactly. Several of the same actors, different plot, different characters, but much similarities. I found "Charlotte" to be every bit as good as "Jane". Also, see "The Little Foxes" and "The Letter". (of interest: Davis was the first pick for Scarlett in 'gone with the wind', but she was already doing "Jezebel", in which she played a character almost exactly like Scarlett. She won her second Oscar in this. Odd that she won an Oscar playing a character they wanted her to play in a blockbuster movie that came out the very next year. She had already played a "scarlett" the year before)
Another Davis great “The Corn Is Green ! “
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.
Paul Heinreid is handsome
Bette Davis considered this her best work
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.
I love this film. But no wonder everyone died of cancer with the amount of smoking that went on.
Too slowly paced? Why do you want the plt slammed in. Your face at 75 mph?
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