DODSWORTH is the story of a failed marriage and, at the end, a new direction for the unhappy husband who has to contend with a frivolous wife who is afraid of aging and doesn't share the same values. He's a retired automobile executive with a much simpler view of life than his wife, who fancies herself a life abroad still seeking adventure and romance.
It's the conflict between WALTER HUSTON, his honest, low-key performance quite a contrast to RUTH CHATTERTON's more actressy portrayal of the shallow wife. This was to be Chatterton's last screen performance. Although often appearing in roles worthy of her abilities, she never clicked as a big star the way someone who played similar roles did--BETTE DAVIS.
The graceful screenplay is by that excellent writer, Sidney Howard, and it captures all the fine points of the novel. MARY ASTOR is the woman on a cruise ship who encounters Huston by chance, and then meets him at a later time when they become involved in an affair. She gives a sterling performance as the other woman, in this case a more preferable choice to be Huston's partner. There's a wonderful reunion scene at the finale with Huston having left his wife and returning to start a new life with Astor.
Highly recommended, still relevant today as a study of failed relationships, impeccably directed by William Wyler.
Trivia note: David NIVEN has a small role and JOHN PAYNE makes his film debut.
It's the conflict between WALTER HUSTON, his honest, low-key performance quite a contrast to RUTH CHATTERTON's more actressy portrayal of the shallow wife. This was to be Chatterton's last screen performance. Although often appearing in roles worthy of her abilities, she never clicked as a big star the way someone who played similar roles did--BETTE DAVIS.
The graceful screenplay is by that excellent writer, Sidney Howard, and it captures all the fine points of the novel. MARY ASTOR is the woman on a cruise ship who encounters Huston by chance, and then meets him at a later time when they become involved in an affair. She gives a sterling performance as the other woman, in this case a more preferable choice to be Huston's partner. There's a wonderful reunion scene at the finale with Huston having left his wife and returning to start a new life with Astor.
Highly recommended, still relevant today as a study of failed relationships, impeccably directed by William Wyler.
Trivia note: David NIVEN has a small role and JOHN PAYNE makes his film debut.