For those that don’t know this classic movie , it’s a voyage around the story of an awful critical mother (Gladys Cooper) who has brow beaten and psychotically abused an unwanted and unloved daughter Charlotte (Bette Davis). An unexpected intervention from a kindly psychiatrist (Claude Rains) allows the ugly duckling to embark on a cruise to South America where she meets the redeeming unhappily married Gerry ( Paul Henreid) and where she blossoms into a chic society dame.
Camp, and melodramic ,it’s a right romp , and Chic Eleanor adored it from start to finish., celebrating the psychological bent of the narrative with some gusto, multiple pashmina throws and lots of emotion .
It was a true delight seeing the film through a friend’s fresh eyes.
And she loved it
When Charlotte finally admitted “I’m not afraid mother” Eleanor threw her arms in the air and threw out a robust “ At bloody Last!” Which I loved….
We analysed the film in the car all the way home xxx
I don't think I've ever watched that film. I'll look out for it. Eleanor's reaction is priceless! I love that you were able to see it afresh through her eyes. xx
ReplyDeleteOh you must see it, it’s a true classic
DeleteLovely Paul Henried! I've never seen this but I've been told the plot and seen clips so often, I think it's as good as! Likewise classics like Casablanca.
ReplyDeleteHe was a truly beautiful man with a voice like pure chocolate
DeleteSeeing someone else's joyful reaction to something that you love, cements a friendship even more doesn't it. Yes, we can all have our differences, and delight in them, but sharing somethings is so special.
ReplyDeleteEleanor has a special quality, she has almost a childlike enthusiasm for new things which is incredibly catching
DeleteIt sounds like a wonderful experience, differently encountered, for both of you.
ReplyDeleteand to see a film over85 years old on the big screen is such a gift
DeleteThis is truly a great movie.
ReplyDelete😜🤪
DeleteSounds like a fun day out!
ReplyDeleteIt was great fun
DeleteSounds like a wonderful way to spend the day.
ReplyDeleteWe enjoyed the post Mortimer even more than the film
DeleteMortum
DeleteI want to be chic like Eleanor.
ReplyDeleteSo do i
DeleteThe best movies always have excellent scripts and talented casts...don't need special effects.
ReplyDeleteThis one had shaky back projection of Rio !
DeleteI'am the last surviving 'Lover of Movies' in my family so its so good to read this... Enjoying movies alone all the time can be ever so lonely... Hugs! deb
ReplyDeleteYes, I loved having Eleanor to bounce off
DeleteAnd I thought I'd seen all of the old movies, but I certainly missed this one. Of course, I am familiar with the actors and actresses (as the women were called then!) so will have to look for this movie.
ReplyDeleteThanks to Chic Eleanor and you for the review!
Hugs!
I think you would love it babs
DeleteI've never seen the movie which of course meant that I had to look it up and then started reading about Bette Davis and her daughter. I'm so glad you two had a good time watching and then analyzing the movie.
ReplyDeleteI hope you get to watch it pixie, it’s a hoot
DeleteFun times with CE are always a guarantee.
ReplyDeleteThe movie sounds good and I'll have a look for it.
Thanks for the recommendation.
🩷🙏
DeleteWhen Chic Eleanor has multiple pashmina throws, I know I’ve got to see it! Thank you both for the great review!❤️ Carol in Atlanta
ReplyDeleteShe was on the edge of her seat
DeleteI love how she just takes off those black framed glasses, apparently she didn't need them anyway.
ReplyDeleteI loved the shot when she leaves the liner in a large hat and we suddenly see her new glam look. The scene was stolen by James Cameron in Titanic ( when Rose looks up at the ship before she boards)
DeleteLee
I’ve learned something new Lee….and also the young bette and the officer had a tryst inside a car , on the ship like rose and jack did
DeleteThe scene where Paul Heinreid rather dramatically lights their cigarettes! One of my favorite Bette Davis classic movies
ReplyDeleteOh I adored that , even as a non smoker, very very sexy
DeleteClassic movie but I can't understand why she didn't get together with Paul Henreid (Jerry) at the end. They would have been so happy together. Was it the film censors? Did the author have to be careful of her reputation? What does Elinor think?
ReplyDeleteThe film was about redemption , she redeemed herself without needing him to fulfill the fairy tail
DeleteYour Eleanor sounds like such a delightful character. You're so lucky to have a friend like that.
ReplyDeleteShe is a breath of fresh air
DeleteI loved this movie, it’s a metaphor for gay independence
DeleteKeith
Xx
I get this
DeleteDon't know if you realized it but that movie is only two years younger than me!
ReplyDeleteYou are a thing catalyst xxx
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