Wednesday, November 30, 2022
Another Man's Poison
- Commentary: Under construction.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Bette Davis Janet Frobisher Gary Merrill George Bates Emlyn Williams Dr. Henderson Anthony Steel Larry Stevens
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1951
Directed by Irving Rapper.
Labels: bette-davis, birth-year, film-noir3, goflexA, melodramaB, thriller4
Friday, November 25, 2022
Bad Sister
- Commentary: Under construction.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Conrad Nagel Dr. Dick Lindley Sidney Fox Marianne Madison Bette Davis Laura Madison Humphrey Bogart Valentine Corliss Charles Winninger Mr Madison Emma Dunn Mrs Madison ZaSu Pitts Minnie (the Madison family servant) Slim Summerville Sam
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1931
Directed by Hobart Henley.
Labels: bette-davis, goflexA, pre-code
Thursday, July 29, 2021
The Old Maid
- Commentary: This movie is a subtly horrific construction that can't escape the description "woman bashing", but, being a Bette Davis/Miriam Hopkins movie, it's incredibly engaging and fun to watch. I have to admit, even though it's a period piece and we're quietly encouraged to take this into consideration when judging Davis' and Hopkin's character's beliefs, actions and decisions, the circumstances proposed in this movie are almost too contrived to be believed. And, yet, watching Hopkins and Davis negotiate through them, well, you just kind of sit back, snuggle in for a good couple of hours and reach for the popcorn bowl.
This movie initiates the use of a new label, by the way, "mother-daughter-dynamics1". So far, it's the only one in this category, but I'm sure I have several that qualify, which is why I placed a "1" after the label name, and will search them out later. Right off the bat, for instance, Now, Voyager comes to mind.
For an interesting, thoughtful and wide-ranging essay on the subject of mothers sacrificing for daughters and other movie-mother insights, check out Mothers in the Movies. This movie is one of many mentioned in the essay.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Bette Davis Charlotte Lovell Miriam Hopkins Delia Lovell Ralston George Brent Clem Spender Jane Bryan Clementina Donald Crisp Dr. Lanskell Louise Fazenda Dora James Stephenson Jim Ralston Jerome Cowan Joseph Ralson William Lundigan Lanning Halsey Cecilia Loftus Henrietta Lovell William Hopper John Ward Frederick Burton Mr. Halsey
Here's the link to the Wikipedia write-up for this movie. As well, the link in the title of this post will lead you to DVD Savant's review of this movie; first review on the page.
Release Date: 1939
Directed by Edmund Goulding.
Labels: bette-davis, miriam-hopkins, mother-daughter-dynamics1, popcorn-and-soda7
Saturday, January 16, 2021
Deception
- Commentary: What can I say? This is a Bette Davis movie, so it's a favorite of mine. It's a heart wrenching story of two musicians played by Paul Henreid and Claude Rains vying for the love of another musician (Davis), one of them doing it very badly with a sharp edge of jealousy, one of them doing it out of confusion and anger. The end leaves you wondering if either suitor deserved her, or if she deserved either of them. Great story. Very involving.
Update 8/15/2021: I could not end this post without leaving a link to Happy Birthday, Claude Rains: A Few Words about ‘Deception’, an article that well describes my own rapture over Claude Rains and that of his work I've seen. This article makes me want to search out more.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Bette Davis Christine Radcliffe Paul Heinreid Karl Novak Claude Rains Alexander Hollenius John Abbott Bertram Gribble Benson Fong Jimmy Richard Erdman Music Student Einar Neilsen Orchestra Conductor Neilsen Jean De Briac Maitre d' Andre
The Wikipedia write-up on this movie is here.
Release Date: 1946
Directed by Irving Rapper.
Labels: bette-davis, claude-rains, drama1, film-noir1, melodramaB, romance1, tragedy1
A Stolen Life
- Commentary: If I were asked to pick only one Bette Davis movie to keep in my collection, it would be either this movie or Now, Voyager and I am, frankly, grateful that I will never have to make the choice. In this movie Davis plays identical twins, one of whom is sweet, smart and unassuming, one of whom is devilish, smart, and bent on assuming the other twin's life. The second twin dies. The first twin, in order to be reunited with the love of her life, who was stolen from her by the dead twin, masquerades as the second twin, with almost disastrous consequences. She did not realize that the marriage of her dead sister was on the rocks and her insertion of herself into the situation promises to end badly. It doesn't, of course, and the circuitous managing of the relationship threatens to undo her. Ah, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.
We're due, shortly, for a few days of snow. I will likely devote one of those days to a Bette Davis marathon, which will definitely include this movie. Long live the availability of Bette Davis movies!
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Bette Davis Kate & Patricia Bosworth Glenn Ford Bill Emerson Dane Clark Karnock Walter Brennan Eben Folger Charlie Ruggles Freddie Linley Bruce Bennett Jack R. Talbot Peggy Knudsen Diedre Esther Dale Mrs. Johnson Clara Blandick Martha Joan Winfield Lucy Jack Mower George Leo White Waiter
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1946
Directed by Curtis Bernhardt.
Labels: bette-davis, drama2, melodramaB, popcorn-and-soda1, romance1, tragedy1
Monday, February 05, 2018
Old Acquaintance
- Commentary: I initiated a new category for this movie, "women's-movie", directly at the suggestion of one of the special features on the movie disk that talks about how this movie is one of a genre of women's movies that went through a heyday in the 40's. I'm sure I have other women's movies in my scroll to the left. I'll be searching them out and tagging them as soon as I publish this write-up.
The friendship described in this movie between Kit Marlowe and Millie Preston is, in spirit, the exact duplicate of a friendship of which I'm a part: begun in childhood for reasons other than mutual attraction; carried on throughout the years partly through habit, partly because one of the members insists and the other does not refuse; one member painfully self-aware, the other dangerously clueless. I'll bet every woman has had (or still has) one such relationship. That, I think, is the attraction of this movie. Even if the superficial details diverge, the emotional details do not. This kind of relationship is superbly presented in this movie, including the ending in which the viewer, I think, is likely to feel sorry for Kit, even as her bravery in this relationship is understood and approved.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Bette Davis Kit Marlowe Miriam Hopkins Millie Drake Gig Young Rudd Kendall John Loder Preston Drake Dolores Moran Diedre Drake Phillip Reed Lucien Grant Roscoe Karns Charlie Archer Anne Revere Belle Carter Esther Dale Harriet Marjorie Hoshelle Margaret Kemp/Fan Club Leader Francine Rufo Child Diedre Ann Doran Music Store Saleslady
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1943
Directed by Vincent Sherman.
Labels: bette-davis, drama4, miriam-hopkins, popcorn-and-soda2, women's-movie1
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
The Star - The Bette Davis Collection
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1*
- Commentary: Both Mom and I found this movie odd, but stayed with it, almost with bated breath. I'm not sure how often we'll watch it. Davis' performance is definitely transfixing. The story of her fall from fame and grace is interesting and well-played. The romance is a little over the top, though.
Once again, as with the Joan Crawford Collection, I've linked the second part of the title to a site that gets it done when it comes to collections (and other reviews, as well). Thank you, DVD Savant, now CineSavant! His review of this particular movie is the first review up on the page. The first part of the title is linked to another review of the film by one of the Three Movie Buffs.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Bette Davis Margaret Elliot Sterling Hayden Jim Johannsen Natalie Wood Gretchen Warner Anderson Harry Stone Minor Watson Joe Morrison June Travis Phyllis Stone Paul Frees Richard Stanley Fay Baker Margaret's sister
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1952
Directed by Stuart Heisler.
Labels: bette-davis, drama8, natalie-wood, popcorn-and-soda4, satire2
Now, Voyager - The Bette Davis Collection
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1* *2* *3*
- Commentary: Ahhh...be still my heart! I love this movie so much it's hard for me to decide whether this or All About Eve is my favorite Bette Davis movie. First, of course, Bette Davis. What a character she plays in this! What a wonderful job she does! Second, the story. I consider the end strikingly unusual, but, I reminded myself that this movie played in 1942: Women were losing men to war, revelling in their independence and sudden ability to make a living and be both needed and wanted by the workforce...I guess I shouldn't consider it quite so striking. And then, of course, there's Claude Rains. My infatuation with this man is absolutely unreasonable. I kept wanting and expecting Davis' character to become romantically involved with his character, a psychiatrist. And, then, of course, the cigarettes. Read the mentions for information about how they went over in our household...definitely a surprise.
I can't, unfortunately, comment much about Paul Henreid's performance. For me, he was simply an object off which Davis bounced. However, there was one other performance in the movie I considered devastating: Gladys Cooper as Mrs. Vale. Not only was her character wickedly written, her performance was flawless. her portrayal was so subtle, she transformed Mrs. Vale into a quiet horror; always much better than an obvious horror.
The first part of the title is linked to an alternate review in which quite a bit of dialogue is quoted. As well, once again, as with the Joan Crawford Collection, I've linked the second part of the title to a site that gets it done when it comes to collections (and other reviews, as well). His review of this movie is the fourth down the page. Thank you, DVD Savant, now CineSavant!
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Bette Davis Charlotte Vale Paul Heinried Jeremiah Duvaux Durrance Claude Rains Dr. Jaquith Gladys Cooper Mrs. Windle Vale Bonita Granville June Vale John Loder Elliot Livingston Katharine Alexander Miss Trask Mary Wickes Dora Pickford Frank Puglia Giuseppe Ilka Chase Lisa Vale Franklin Pangborn Mr. Thompson Janis Wilson Tina Durrance
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1942
Directed by Irving Rapper.
Labels: 20th-century-chick-flicks1, bette-davis, claude-rains, drama9, mother-daughter-dynamics1, popcorn-and-soda4, romance2, shared-favorite
Mr. Skeffington - The Bette Davis Collection
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: Although I'm nowhere near a Bette Davis expert, this movie seemed to me like a Bette Davis miscast, at first, although my inordinate love of Claude Rains took my mind off this for quite awhile. Despite this, it didn't take long for me to believe her portrayal; a credit to Davis, not the casting, I think. Mom loved the intense, obvious melodrama. She also got lost in the lush period flavor and imagined, afterward, that the movie had been in color; which I understand is a typical reaction to both this movie and Jezebel. I'd watch this movie again, just for the pleasure of watching Claude Rains again.
Once again, as with the Joan Crawford Collection, I've linked the second part of the title to a site that gets it done when it comes to collections (and other reviews, as well). The review for this movie is the second review on the page. Thank you, DVD Savant, now CineSavant!
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Bette Davis 'Fanny' Trellis Skeffington Claude Rains Job Skeffington Walter Abel George Trellis Richard Waring Trippy Trellis Jerome Cowan Suitor Edward Morrison Dorothy Peterson Manby Marjorie Riordan Fanny Rachel Trellis Johnny Mitchell Johnny Mitchell, Fanny's daughter's husband
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1944
Directed by Vincent Sherman.
Labels: 20th-century-chick-flicks1, bette-davis, claude-rains, drama9, melodramaA, period4, romance2, shared-favorite
The Letter - The Bette Davis Collection
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1*
- Commentary: It took us two tries to get through this one, even though it was the shortest of the Bette Davis movies we bought in the collection with which this one came. Neither of us found it disturbing, but we just couldn't get into the story. When we finally watched it, at the end Mom and I looked at one another.
"Well," she said, "we don't have to do that again."
"Yeah, I know what you mean."
I'm not sure what our problem with it was. It could simply be that we're both hard sells for this type of movie. I have to say, though, since watching it, I've found that several of the scenes have continued to haunt me, probably because of both the staging and framing. As well, I have to admit, Bette Davis was, as usual, a dazzling intepreter of this character. I may, indeed, watch it again. Not soon, though.
I've linked the title of this post to a site that gets it done when it comes to collections (and other reviews, as well). Thank you, DVD Savant, now CineSavant! His review of this movie is the fifth review on the page.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Bette Davis Leslie Crosbie Herbert Marshall Robert Crosbie James Stephenson Howard Joyce Frieda Inescort Dorothy Joyce Gale Sondergaard Mrs. Hammond Bruce Lester John Withers Elizabeth Earl Adele Ainsworth Cecil Kellaway Prescott Sen Yung Ong Chi Seng Doris Lloyd Mrs. Cooper Willie Fung Chung Hi Tetsu Komai Head Boy
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1940
Directed by William Wyler.
Labels: bette-davis, drama9, film-noir2, melodramaA, suspense2
Dark Victory - The Bette Davis Collection
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1*
- Commentary: We watch this one more than I'd like, as it is one of my mother's favorites. I enjoy Davis' portrayal of the character but I have trouble with the quick switch from breezy, self-involved young heiress to philosophical, unselfishly doomed young matron. I've never known my mother to be an easy touch for movies about young, tragic death, but this one gets her every time. I'm not sure why. Maybe, if I would pay more attention to her as she watches it I'd discover the reason. Good idea. I know I'll have plenty of chances to do this.
Update 8/7/21: Once again, I infested the title of this post with two links. The first part is linked to a site that reviews the movie, alone. The second part of the title is linked to a site that gets it done when it comes to collections (and other reviews, as well). You'll find his review for this movie as the second review down his page. Incidentally, I have this Collection, so I'll be using this link in other posts, as well. Thank you, DVD Savant, now CineSavant!
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Bette Davis Judith Traherne George Brent Dr. Frederick Steele Humphrey Bogart Michael O'Leary Geraldine Fitzgerald Ann King Ronald Reagan Alec Hamm Henry Travers Dr. Parsons Cora Witherspoon Carrie Spottswood Doroty Peterson Miss Wainwright
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1939
Directed by Edmund Golding.
Labels: bette-davis, drama9, popcorn-and-soda4
All About Eve
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1*
- Commentary: I think this is the first Bette Davis movie I watched with attention, and it will remain my all time favorite of hers, edging out Now, Voyager only because I saw this one first. I love the presentation of the story; I love the way Davis plays the part; I love all the supporting characters, including Eve. Addison DeWitt strikes exactly the right tone, from beginning to end. It's funny, in the review to which I connect in the title, much mention is made of Marilyn Monroe's bit part, how her legendary luminosity is evident in this movie, how she steals all her scenes and how this appearance pre-figures her stardom. When she is in scene with Davis, though, I only have eyes for Davis. Monroe's luminosity may have drawing power, but it doesn't compare to Davis', which, I suppose, could be compared to that of a black hole, sucking viewers in beyond the power of a nascent star.
Mom, of course, loves this movie because it features Bette Davis.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Bette Davis Margo Channing Anne Baxter Eve Harrington George Sanders Addison DeWitt Celeste Holm Karen Richards Gary Merrill Bill Sampson Hugh Marlowe Lloyd Richards Thelma Ritter Birdie Coonan Gregory Ratoff Max Fabian
One of Roger Ebert's Great Movies.
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up for this film.
Release Date: 1950
Directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz.
Labels: bette-davis, drama9, me-favorite2, thelma-ritter, women's-movie1
