Exceptional filming of Lillian Hellman's play about an evil Southern family falling to pieces. It's all overseen by cold cruel Regina (Bette Davis) who will do anything to get what she wants.
Just simply this is great. I was never bored once during the entire 2 hours this ran. I literally couldn't stop watching. The script (very close to the play) is wonderful--one great line after another. It's also well-directed by William Wyler--just his composition of shots was incredible. Purportedly he put his actors through hell with take after take--but it works. This is a rare movie where ALL the acting is great--not one bad performance up there. Teresa Wright is a little too whiny--but this was her first film. Even Richard Carlson is good! Who ever knew he was so handsome and could act? He was wasted in all those action and sci-fi pics he did. Davis, of course, gives the best performance. She obviously relishes playing a totally evil character.
This movie has many great moments but, for me, there are two highlights--Carlson has a GREAT moment where he casually tells off Davis (how many actors can stand up to Davis--and live?) and the last talk between Davis and Herbert Marshall (playing her husband). This isn't for everybody--with the exceptions of Carlson, Marshall and Wright there isn't one sympathetic character. This may be too cold and cruel for some viewers, but I was fascinated throughout. One of Davis' best performances. Don't miss this one! A 10.
Just simply this is great. I was never bored once during the entire 2 hours this ran. I literally couldn't stop watching. The script (very close to the play) is wonderful--one great line after another. It's also well-directed by William Wyler--just his composition of shots was incredible. Purportedly he put his actors through hell with take after take--but it works. This is a rare movie where ALL the acting is great--not one bad performance up there. Teresa Wright is a little too whiny--but this was her first film. Even Richard Carlson is good! Who ever knew he was so handsome and could act? He was wasted in all those action and sci-fi pics he did. Davis, of course, gives the best performance. She obviously relishes playing a totally evil character.
This movie has many great moments but, for me, there are two highlights--Carlson has a GREAT moment where he casually tells off Davis (how many actors can stand up to Davis--and live?) and the last talk between Davis and Herbert Marshall (playing her husband). This isn't for everybody--with the exceptions of Carlson, Marshall and Wright there isn't one sympathetic character. This may be too cold and cruel for some viewers, but I was fascinated throughout. One of Davis' best performances. Don't miss this one! A 10.