Since my last Bette Davis viewing, I've received several IMDb suggestions for more. I gave priority to one with Academy Award nominations, including for Best Picture.
Based on a Rachel Field novel based on a true story, it takes a more personal look at the scandal that eventually led to the French Revolution of 1848. Henriette Deluzy-Desportes (Davis), a former governess to the four children of the Duc de Praslin (Charles Boyer, the only actor with a French accent), finds that ugly rumors have followed her across the English Channel, so she tells her disrespecting French class her side of the story. As we see in extensive flashback, Duchesse Frances (Barbara O'Neil) had lost her husband's love as well as her children's before Henriette showed up, yet she accuses Henriette of stealing them. While Henriette and "Theo" never even kiss, they do indeed develop feelings and must decide how best to minimize negative publicity. Theo...does not choose well....
Director Anatole Litvak wanted to create the next Gone with the Wind, spending far more than was typical of Warner Bros. at the time, primarily on sets and costumes. Alas, Davis reports that he was a stifling control freak, so her own performance suffered. O'Neil, however, did get an Oscar nod.
I do feel a little sorry for Frances. I don't doubt that she really does believe her accusations, unaware that her strict demeanor -- at one point accidentally making her son life-threateningly ill by disregarding his objections -- has rendered her all but unlovable. I'm not sure what would have been the best move for Henriette or Theo under the circumstances.
I never root for infidelity to succeed, so I am somewhat glad for the scandal's dark turn. At the same time, I appreciate the hopeful ending, which just slightly hints at a more promising romance in the future. (It did happen in reality.)
Obviously, ATaHT wasn't the next GwtW in popularity or financial success, but it is less controversial and, to my mind, just as watchable. Yes, the 141 minutes are a bit slow -- maybe it's just as well the cut 49 minutes are lost for good -- but it makes a fine period piece with enough feeling to keep you going. As romantic dramas go, this one's not just a nominee; it's a winner in my book.
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