Movies - Women’s Troubles in Black & White

The 1940’s produced some terrific movies about women’s stories, perhaps because so many men were off at war. Historical dramas were really well-done. Recently, I enjoyed a double-feature by some of the best actors and directors of the time.

“The Heiress,” from 1949, was directed by the great William Wyler. He won three Best Director Oscars, and made classic films: 1939’s “Wuthering Heights” with Laurence Olivier, Merle Oberon and david Niven; 1942’s “Mrs. Miniver” with Greer Garson, Walter Pidgeon and Teresa Wright; 1946’s “The Best Years of Our Lives” with Myrna Loy, Fredric March and Dana Andrews; 1953’s “Roman Holiday” with Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck; 1968’s “Funny Girl” with Barbra Streisand and Omar Sharif...and these are just a sampling of his female-oriented films. (He also did 1959’s “Ben-Hur,” for example.)
​“The Heiress” is one of his lesser-known films. Set in mid-19th century New York society (like Scorsese’s “The Age of Innocence”), it stars Olivia de Havilland, a very young Montgomery Clift, and the esteemed Ralph Richardson. Sir Ralph is the wealthy physician father to Olivia’s brow-beaten, awkward daughter. When she gains an unexpected suitor in the handsome Monty, dad figures it’s a play for her inheritance. Things don’t work out well for her romantically, but she gains a sense of herself that’s been sorely needed. Ms. de Havilland downplays any attempt at glamor, reminding me of her “Gone With the Wind” role ten years earlier; Mr. Clift is smooth and charming; Sir Ralph oozes power, but isn’t likable because he compares his daughter unfavorably to his late wife, and won’t let her forget it. This is classic Hollywood filmmaking.

“That Hamilton Woman” was a 1941 Alexander Korda production. Born in Hungary, Korda started as a struggling film reviewer, had a difficult time in Hollywood, then made his name in Britain. “The Private Lives of Henry VIII,” and the “The Four Feathers” were among his classics. He was making “The Thief of Bagdad” when war broke out, so he moved to Hollywood, along with his younger brothers Vincent and Zoltan, to complete it for his own studio. The brothers collaborated next on “The Jungle Book” and “That Hamilton Woman,” starring Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier. Sir Laurence, portraying naval hero Lord Nelson, is a bit stiff, but Ms. Leigh, just two years after “Gone With the Wind,” retains her vivaciousness.  Leigh meets Olivier in Naples, where she’s lovelessly married to the British ambassador. Nelson needs logistical support, and Lady Hamilton intercedes with the local royal family on his behalf. Romance kindles. But he, too, is married, and to someone who won’t release him. He sails off to be the hero of the Napoleonic Wars at sea, and their fates are sealed.

Korda also introduced Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, who worked on his films. Later, they formed their own production company, The Archers, which went on to make the most beautiful Technicolor films of all time, “The Red Shoes” and “Black Narcissus.” But this is a black & white article, so that’s for another time….