Friday, April 21, 2006
BETTE AGAIN
Probably, the most frequently featured actress in the Best Films series; Bette Davis. Maybe Monroe. But close.
She was superb today in William Wyler's adaptation of the Lillian Hellman play
There is a great supporting cast including Herbert Marshall who is one of the most undersung.
Then there is Dan Duryea turning in one of his genius weasel roles. It is his first picture. Later in his career he will become a great mad killer or psycho in many films. He has 112 credits.
Teresa Wright who was and played the innocent ingenue has Richard Carlson for a boyfriend.
It was Wright's first film too! She has 82 credits.
She owns the climax as she makes her statement to her bitch mother, finally.
And, I suspect, a group of actors shipped in from the Broadway cast.
Great ensemble but it is Davis' movie from beginning to end.
The theme is American greed. What a contemporary issue; evergreen. It is our legacy.
You could dress these people up in Oval Office clothes and you would have the modern version.
Great theater. Great film. The framing and light are superb in this excellent restoration.
I will give it a 5 out of Netflix 5.
