Sunday, November 21, 2010

Sunday Viewing: Now, Voyager, 1942


Warner Brothers
The untold want by life and land ne'er granted, Now voyager sail thou forth to seek and find.
--Walt Whitman
Regarded today as one of the finest performances given by Bette Davis in her over eighty films, Now, Voyager is a testament to Davis’ skill both in front of and behind the camera.

Based on the popular novel of the same name by Olive Higgins Prouty, Now, Voyager was directed by Irving Rapper (purposefully selected by Warner Brothers because he was considered compliant enough to work with Davis) and produced by Hal B. Wallis in his first independent production for Warner Brothers.

Warner Brothers
When Warner Brother purchased the rights to the novel about an emotionally troubled spinster’s love affair with a married man, they hadn’t considered Bette Davis for the part. Their initial choices were Irene Dune, Norma Shearer or Ginger Rogers. Davis, being the “Queen” of the lot, got wind of the production and realized that she should be playing “Charlotte Vale.” She campaigned loud and long, and got her way. Davis immediately immersed herself in the part, taking great interest in repeatedly reading the novel and trying to understand the character of Charlotte. While many stars would have rallied to make Charlotte more attractive at the beginning of the picture, Davis reveled in the chance to show her range. She didn’t fear looking ugly and worked with make-up artists and costume designer, Orry-Kelly, to ensure that Charlotte’s transformation from overweight neurotic to timeless butterfly (a theme which is quite pronounced in the costume design and dialogue) was dramatically effective.

Warner Brothers
Bette also had a hand in casting. Her favorite co-star, Claude Rains, was cast as Charlotte’s supportive and understanding psychiatrist, Dr. Jaquith. Meanwhile, she was intrigued by a newcomer to the Warner Brother’s lot—Austrian Paul Henreid who was also to star in Casablanca. Davis thought that the studio had given Henreid an unfair screen test by making him up as too much of a “gigolo.” She requested that Henreid be given another test with more subdued hair and make-up. It was a success and he was cast in what today is considered one of the greatest on-screen romantic pairings of all time.

Gladys Cooper played Charlotte’s domineering mother—the root of all of her troubles—and Ilka Chase was cast as Charlotte’s one sympathetic relative, her sister-in-law, Lisa. Rounding out the cast is a charming performance by Mary Wickes.

Warner Brothers
Irving Rapper reportedly went home angry and exhausted every night, but claimed that it didn’t matter because no matter how difficult Bette was, the rushes proved that she was giving a brilliant performance. And, brilliant, it was. One of the most romantic films ever made, with some of the most memorable dialogue, Now, Voyager is a film that everyone should see.






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