Now, Voyager (5 stars)

Now, Voyager, the beautiful, bittersweet, romantic drama from 1942, is not only my favorite Bette Davis film, it's my all-time favorite romantic film...AND my all-time favorite film...period.  I absolutely LOVE Now, Voyager and am utterly shocked that I haven't already reviewed it here.  Boy, have I been remiss!!

Starring along with Bette in this beautiful, tender movie is Paul Henreid, with Claude Rains and Gladys Cooper in supporting roles.  It's the story of Charlotte Vale, an ugly, awkward, middle-aged spinster, who is on the verge of a nervous breakdown.

At the request of Charlotte's sister-in-law, and against the wishes of Charlotte's extremely controlling mother, renowned psychiatrist Dr. Jaquith (Claude Rains) makes a visit to the Vale home.  What he witnesses astounds him---Charlotte is publicly put down and shamed by her mother and mocked by her niece.  She is insecure...withdrawn...paranoid.  In fact, Charlotte is extremely close to falling completely apart, a result of the disapproval, criticism, and humiliation that have been upon her for years.  Wanting to help her, Dr. Jaquith suggests that Charlotte spend some time at Cascade, his mountain sanitarium.

After several weeks at Cascade, and not wanting to return home to her mother, at Dr. Jacquith's suggestion, Charlotte embarks on a trans-Atlantic cruise.  (The first view of the transformed Charlotte is breathtaking---she has lost weight, no longer wears glasses, and is elegantly dressed.)

While on the cruise, Charlotte meets architect Jerry Durence (Paul Henreid), and the two fall deeply in love...it's a love that does wonders for Charlotte, causing her to blossom and gain confidence.    Unfortunately, Jerry is married, so there can be no future for him and Charlotte.  Or can there?

After the cruise, the now-beautiful and confident Charlotte returns to her Boston home and to the disapproval of her mother.  While other family members are thrilled with the changes in Charlotte, her mother is furious.  Telling Charlotte that she has never done anything to make her mother proud, and threatening to cut off her allowance, Mrs. Vale continues to try to manipulate and control Charlotte as she has done for years.  But Charlotte is a stronger, more confident woman, and for the first time in her life, she stands up to her mother and refuses to be guilt-tripped into doing what her mother wants her to do. 

Eventually, needing some time away, Charlotte returns to Cascade, where she meets young Tina...Jerry's younger daughter...a troubled, insecure young woman with whom Charlotte can empathize.  In reaching out to Tina, Charlotte feels that she has a part of Jerry for her very own.

Now, Voyager, for me the most romantic movie of all time, is a totally gorgeous film which moves me deeply and always brings me to tears.  It's a beautiful story, one to which I can somewhat relate, so I'm sure that is why it touches me so much.  Bette, who gives her usual brilliant performance, is amazing to watch as she transforms from the dowdy, insecure spinster into a beautiful, confident woman.  Truly, her transformation is stunning, and it always brings tears to my eyes.

Paul Henreid is totally fantastic in this role.  Besides his wonderful European accent, which I find romantic and sexy, he has this habit of putting two cigarettes in his mouth, lighting them both, then handing one to Charlotte.  I'm not a smoker, but I find that gesture gallant and romantic.  It adds so much to the romance of the film.  The chemistry between him and Bette is spectacular.

The musical score in Now, Voyager is probably the most beautiful musical score I have ever heard...just one more reason that this film is my absolute all-time favorite movie.  And the final line in the film---"Don't let's ask for the moon, we have the stars"---is one of my all-time favorite movie lines.  Here is a video clip of the movie's final scene, which includes not only the beautiful music but also those bittersweet words. (You can't view the actual video from here, but just click the "watch on you tube" link and you'll be there...it is definitely a must-watch!)

Anyhow, I totally love Now, Voyager and cannot recommend it highly enough. It's out on DVD (as part of The Bette Davis Collection Volume One), so it should be very easy to track down.  Additionally, TCM will be airing it on November 10th at 10:45 p.m.  It would make a fantastic "chick flick" movie.

Happy viewing!!