Waterloo Bridge (1940)

During World War I, believing her fiance to be dead, a young ballerina loses her job and is forced to turn to prostitution.

Director:

Mervyn LeRoy

Writers:

S.N. Behrman (screen play), Hans Rameau (screen play)

Stars:

Vivien Leigh, Robert Taylor, Lucile Watson

Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 1 win.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Vivien Leigh	...	Myra
Robert Taylor	...	Roy Cronin
Lucile Watson	...	Lady Margaret Cronin
Virginia Field	...	Kitty
Maria Ouspenskaya	...	Madame Olga Kirowa
C. Aubrey Smith	...	The Duke
Janet Shaw	...	Maureen
Janet Waldo	...	Elsa
Steffi Duna	...	Lydia
Virginia Carroll	...	Sylvia
Leda Nicova	...	Marie
Florence Baker	...	Beatrice
Margery Manning	...	Mary
Frances MacInerney	...	Violet
Eleanor Stewart	...	Grace

Storyline

On the eve of World War II, a British officer revisits Waterloo Bridge and recalls the young man he was at the beginning of World War I and the young ballerina he met just before he left for the front. Myra stayed with him past curfew and is thrown out of the corps de ballet. She survives on the streets of London, falling even lower after she hears her true love has been killed in action. But he wasn't killed. Those terrible years were nothing more than a bad dream is Myra's hope after Roy finds her and takes her to his family's country estate.

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Plot Keywords:

tragedy | tragic ending | sad ending | downbeat ending | suicide of girlfriend | 

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Taglines:

Her First Picture Since "Gone With The Wind"

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Genres:

Drama | Romance | War

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Certificate:

Passed

Did You Know?

Trivia

This was Robert Taylor's favorite of his films, even though he was generally felt to be miscast as a British officer.

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Goofs

When Myra reads the list of 'Fallen Officers', there are names with the ranks of Sergeant (Sgt) and Gunner (Gnr). These are not Officer ranks.

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Quotes

Second Girl at Estate Dance: She dances beautifully, doesn't she?
Third Girl at Estate Dance: Well, that's her job.
Viola - First Girl at Estate Dance: Those Cronin men, they're always attracted by girls who - undress in public.
Third Girl at Estate Dance: Why don't you try it, Viola?
Viola - First Girl at Estate Dance: Oh, I haven't the nerve. I'm not quite sure I've got the figure.

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Alternate Versions

Also shown in computer colorized version.

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Connections

Featured in Hollywood: Style Center of the World (1940)

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Soundtracks

Candlelight Waltz
(1940) (uncredited)
Music by E. Flat
Lyrics by Artur Beul
Played as the final dance at the Candlelight Club
Danced to by Vivien Leigh and Robert Taylor and other couples
Contains sections of "Auld Lang Syne"

User Reviews

A Romantic Movie of the Finest Quality

The best decision I made for this year was to buy several videos and enjoy the old movies. Amongst the first purchases was of course "Waterloo Bridge," an unforgettable favorite. It's a tender love story that unfolds a beautiful romance shaken by the cold realities of WW1. I was reaching for kleenexes at certain intervals as it does get sad. Not only does Ms Vivien Leigh fulfil her role with feeling and charm, but to me her beauty is like an exquisite orchid, almost exotic in quality. Also, it's interesting to observe her in this next role after "Gone With the Wind." Obviously she's my favorite leading lady! Robert Taylor turns in a fine, sensitive performance, and with all that charm, what lady could resist? This is one of countless stories that could be told about the upheavals that wartime caused in people's lives. For anyone who appreciates good acting and a fine tale of romance, it's a must-see.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English French

Release Date:

17 May 1940 (USA)

Also Known As:

Waterloo Bridge

Filming Locations:

Bath, Somerset, England, UK

Box Office

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$31,111

Company Credits

Production Co:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

108 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1