tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189120682398421108.post8468842275065841063..comments2023-08-01T09:20:49.475-04:00Comments on Wide Screen World: DodsworthRichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11376065182154885503noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189120682398421108.post-3564895534600458562013-06-04T15:53:12.602-04:002013-06-04T15:53:12.602-04:00Wow. Thank you for your comment! Better late than ...Wow. Thank you for your comment! Better late than never, I say.Richhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11376065182154885503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189120682398421108.post-20231168067358685972013-06-03T14:18:18.977-04:002013-06-03T14:18:18.977-04:00I always find out about these blog-a-thons after t...I always find out about these blog-a-thons after the fact.<br /><br />For me, the reason I watch Dodsworth is for all the actors - each one excellent - even the young John Payne and David Niven. Seasoned actor, Ruth Chatterton is superb as the immature and vain Mrs. Sam Dodsworth.<br /><br />But for me the film belongs to Walter Huston and Mary Astor. Huston is just amazing as a nice guy trying to understand his pretentious immature wife, while trying to understand himself. <br /><br />Throughout the film, Huston makes several under his breath comments like "Very good...." Or smiles in a mischievous way when someone or something is revealing a truth to Fran (his wife, played by Chatterton) which are truly great scenes from a tremendous actor capable of mixing drama with comedy like a perfect martini. (And I guess when you have excellent direction from William Wyler you're in good hands.)<br /><br />I first saw Dodsworth about 8 years ago. Having always been a fan of Astor, I was amazed I'd never seen it before. I never thought of Astor as a "supporting" actor - to me she's a unique and rare blend of true acting star with character actor, making any film she's in, far more interesting if it had been without.<br /><br />In Dodsworth, Astor plays, Mrs. Edith Cortright. An American divorcee, who may still be a British citizen. She lives in Italy. She's beautiful but there's a maturity and sadness about her (Astor wasn't even 30 years old). She's a woman in limbo. She's waiting for something.....<br /><br />She is invisible in the first scene she's revealed to Sam Dodsworth (Huston) and to us as we hear her beautiful voice prescribing Pibbs to calm Dodsworth's nerves as the ship approaches England.<br /><br />There are some great scenes between Chatterton's age-obsessed, Fran Dodsworth and Astor's younger but wise-beyond-her-years, Edith Cortright. I especially love the one where Fran is lying about her age on her birthday and Edith (Astor) replies in a very smart way revealing that she knows Fran is lying. Sam Dodsworth (Huston) is thrilled that Edith has gently told his wife she's full of it.<br /><br />And then there's the scene where Sam is excited talking about creating a new airline which would fly to places like Samarkand and he keeps saying, "we" will have to do this and "we" may have to do that (referring to himself and Edith). When she responds, "We, Sam? We?" And then they declare their love for one another - it's a powerful scene. But it's not done in a sappy over the top way. Their friendship and ease with one another is the true love that both have always wanted.<br /><br />Edith's (Astor) speech to Sam (Huston) after Fran (Chatterton) calls to say she won't be marrying the Viennese baron and she wants him to take her back (which the good solid Sam is willing to do!) is great writing and Astor says it with such a poignancy without ever becoming melodramatic or maudlin.<br /><br />The closing scene is so beautiful, no matter how many times I see it I feel the waterworks turning on. I think it's one of Wyler's best films although it is unfortunately not as well known.<br /><br />I wish more people would watch Dodsworth. It's really timeless i the way it intelligently and perceptively depicts relationship dynamics. TCM has been frequently showing it over the past few years. I believe it would make many a new fan for not only Astor but Huston as well. <br /><br />Thank you for your blog. Paulettehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03360784542505676145noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189120682398421108.post-34833293643196829812013-05-13T13:00:29.472-04:002013-05-13T13:00:29.472-04:00Glad you liked it.Glad you liked it.Richhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11376065182154885503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189120682398421108.post-72261477482385185102013-05-13T13:00:00.033-04:002013-05-13T13:00:00.033-04:00Page! Howyadoin?
I agree that it's better to ...Page! Howyadoin?<br /><br />I agree that it's better to be alone and happy than miserable and with someone, though the former isn't exactly easy to pull off, either, which, I suspect, is why some people would rather suffer loveless marriages, and you've confirmed for me that this kind of thing is more common than we think.Richhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11376065182154885503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189120682398421108.post-28340466907581643192013-05-11T13:22:17.039-04:002013-05-11T13:22:17.039-04:00I tend to love Astor in almost every role and Dods...I tend to love Astor in almost every role and Dodsworth was no different. In fact, this role may be one of my favorites. Her portrayal of this character is just perfect. Thanks for a thought provoking post.Lasso The Movieshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03221402578681699727noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189120682398421108.post-27088636709795126912013-05-10T23:20:24.947-04:002013-05-10T23:20:24.947-04:00Rich,
I really enjoyed your unique review of Dodsw...Rich,<br />I really enjoyed your unique review of Dodsworth. I've seen this film at least 5 times and it always leaves me a bit sad. It's my favorite film of Huston's and while Astor was wonderful in her role, Hurricane is still my favorite of her roles. (Not that big of a part though) I found it hard to sympathize with Fran early on too, that soon changed.<br /><br />On a personal note. Your words reminded me of so many of my female co-workers who divulged their loveless marriages They go through the motions with their spouses, year after year and it's only because they would rather not be alone. It's just easier to stick with someone. I've always lived by the motto that "I would rather be happy and alone than miserable with someone." : )<br /><br />A great contribution to the Blogathon, Rich. I truly enjoyed your thoughts on this very good film.<br />Talk to ya soon!<br />Page<br /><br />Pagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15063277863578004836noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189120682398421108.post-88085693917372656812013-05-07T13:46:53.295-04:002013-05-07T13:46:53.295-04:00Sounds like good advice! And yeah, the ending is v...Sounds like good advice! And yeah, the ending is very satisfying. I couldn't believe that Sam was actually willing to settle for life with Fran until he decides otherwise.Richhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11376065182154885503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189120682398421108.post-23898042415220563292013-05-07T12:52:29.403-04:002013-05-07T12:52:29.403-04:00You're so right about Walter Huston's magn...You're so right about Walter Huston's magnificence on screen in this film. He is perfection. Since we're both talking about DODSWORTH today, it's been very interesting for me to read your impressions. Talk about wavelengths....!<br /><br />And speaking as an official 'oldie' - wait, it only gets worse. Growing old is no joke and if you can postpone it (even if only in your own head) - do it. Except of course, if it means derailing your life and hurting those around you. <br /><br />I say: stop short of that. <br /><br />Fran Dodsworth turns her marriage upside down and breaks her husband's heart in her quest for eternal youth. She doesn't get any of my sympathy. That's why the end of this story is so very satisfying.Yvettehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08919246184376538331noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189120682398421108.post-32469809415696361622013-05-06T23:22:08.435-04:002013-05-06T23:22:08.435-04:00I agree with you that Mary Astor's voice is wo...I agree with you that Mary Astor's voice is wonderful. I find it very soothing. <i>Dodsworth</i> is one of my favorites so personally, I'm glad that so many people chose to write about. As you and Kim said, it gives us lots of different angles on the film.Aubynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00446079492480611898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189120682398421108.post-62987947872487028042013-05-06T15:28:40.858-04:002013-05-06T15:28:40.858-04:00Which is exactly what I had hoped would happen.Which is exactly what I had hoped would happen.Richhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11376065182154885503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189120682398421108.post-59409092440145411372013-05-06T15:20:18.569-04:002013-05-06T15:20:18.569-04:00No problem. We took different angles.No problem. We took different angles.Kimberly J.M. Wilsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09078951928157843937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189120682398421108.post-13204759659888165032013-05-06T13:59:10.597-04:002013-05-06T13:59:10.597-04:00If I had known so many other people were gonna wri...If I had known so many other people were gonna write about this one, I'd have chosen another. Honest! Hope I didn't steal too much of your thunder.Richhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11376065182154885503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189120682398421108.post-55423792974814627372013-05-06T13:57:26.569-04:002013-05-06T13:57:26.569-04:00The 30s were indeed a very good time for movies, t...The 30s were indeed a very good time for movies, though I'm partial to the 50s myself.Richhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11376065182154885503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189120682398421108.post-30851114230792390632013-05-05T20:38:12.903-04:002013-05-05T20:38:12.903-04:00Well, it looks like you and I chose the same film ...Well, it looks like you and I chose the same film for the Blogathon. You and I also agree about how unsympathetic Fran is. Interesting aside about the question of age and how we try to cling to our youth.Kimberly J.M. Wilsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09078951928157843937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189120682398421108.post-84133456089609089402013-05-05T15:41:30.836-04:002013-05-05T15:41:30.836-04:00Dosdsworth is in my to-see list, since I'm a h...Dosdsworth is in my to-see list, since I'm a huge fan of 1930s movies. Very nice reflection the one will made before starting the review!<br />Don't forget to read my contribution to the blogathon! :)<br />Greetings!Lêhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02419693749682458647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189120682398421108.post-17862047875853293272013-05-05T13:00:31.833-04:002013-05-05T13:00:31.833-04:00I'll have to remember that line. Thanks.I'll have to remember that line. Thanks.Richhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11376065182154885503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189120682398421108.post-45134601471484051622013-05-05T13:00:05.011-04:002013-05-05T13:00:05.011-04:00I assume you mean 'bad' as in the morality...I assume you mean 'bad' as in the morality of her characters. Astor was good, though again, I have to admit that I like her better doing comedy!Richhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11376065182154885503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189120682398421108.post-73165893160733021272013-05-05T12:57:03.990-04:002013-05-05T12:57:03.990-04:00Thanks much. Come back anytime.Thanks much. Come back anytime.Richhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11376065182154885503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189120682398421108.post-12422496005441606792013-05-05T12:56:45.082-04:002013-05-05T12:56:45.082-04:00The novel must've been quite a hit in its day....The novel must've been quite a hit in its day.<br /><br />Glad you liked my post.Richhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11376065182154885503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189120682398421108.post-75143462106770266062013-05-05T12:55:49.809-04:002013-05-05T12:55:49.809-04:00You're welcome. At first I was disappointed th...You're welcome. At first I was disappointed that Astor herself was a supporting character in this and not a lead, but it didn't matter in the end because the movie as a whole was astonishing.Richhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11376065182154885503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189120682398421108.post-84368940080948922132013-05-05T12:54:34.639-04:002013-05-05T12:54:34.639-04:00Wyler was indeed very good at these kinds of stori...Wyler was indeed very good at these kinds of stories - the truly adult, mature kind that one only sees from Hollywood sporadically these days.Richhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11376065182154885503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189120682398421108.post-54262495900392996762013-05-05T12:51:49.140-04:002013-05-05T12:51:49.140-04:00Yeah, the clothing was good. Ruth Chatterton had s...Yeah, the clothing was good. Ruth Chatterton had some great gowns.Richhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11376065182154885503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189120682398421108.post-80897288970101220272013-05-05T07:38:54.540-04:002013-05-05T07:38:54.540-04:00You've chosen a great film, and a very interes...You've chosen a great film, and a very interesting and sympathetic way to approach it. "Where you sit is where you stand," my mother used to say, meaning your own personal experience colors your reaction to everything, including an old movie. Thanks for sharing yours. Jacqueline T. Lynchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11047941886908178350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189120682398421108.post-74278843534020993532013-05-04T20:58:48.398-04:002013-05-04T20:58:48.398-04:00When you see how bad, bad, bad Mary could be (like...When you see how bad, bad, bad Mary could be (like the Maltese Falcon or the Great Lie), you realize what a skilled actress she was. FlickChickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17351624749230610755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189120682398421108.post-45770353854993199122013-05-04T14:20:45.506-04:002013-05-04T14:20:45.506-04:00Enjoyed reading your thought-provoking post!Enjoyed reading your thought-provoking post!Karenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02939607801184112943noreply@blogger.com