As the film begins, working-girl Kitty (Ginger), is on the receiving end of a marriage proposal from a man named Mark (James Craig). When she says "yes," Mark asks her if things are all over with the guy in Philadelphia. Assuring him that they are, Kitty makes plans to meet Mark at midnight, at which time they will get married.
When Kitty returns to her apartment to pack, however, Wyn Strafford (Dennis Morgan)---the man from Philadelphia---is waiting for her. Telling Kitty there is no life for him without her, he asks her to go to South America with him. Though he will not be getting a divorce and, thus, cannot offer her marriage, Wyn, nevertheless, asks Kitty to accompany him...something she agrees to do. With Kitty's promise to meet him at the ship at midnight, Wyn sets off to make final arrangements.
With two men loving her and expecting her to meet them at midnight, Kitty reflects back on her relationships with them. Originally a secretary to the socially prominent Wyn, she soon became his wife, a fact which was met with extreme disapproval by his blue blood Philadelphia family. Eventually, their differing worlds and his family's lack of acceptance drove them apart, and their marriage was annulled. Needing a fresh start, Kitty relocated to New York, where she met Mark, a kind and humble doctor who loves her and can offer her a future. Kitty's continuing love for Wyn, though, threatens to ruin her chance for happiness with Mark. She desperately needs to decide what she wants out of life...and which man can give it to her.
Does Kitty choose to marry Mark? Or does she choose to sail to South America with Wyn? The answer will be discovered in the final scene of the film.
Kitty Foyle is an interesting, well-acted film. The first time I watched it, I really had no idea which man she would choose. Though, in reality, I ought to have known---after all, this film was made in 1940...a time when standards were different than what they are today. Keeping that in mind, it is probably no surprise what Kitty's choice winds up being. Still, though, it is enjoyable to watch it all play out. Ginger was her usual lovely, delightful self. Her performance is super---though I'm not entirely convinced it beat that of Joan Fontaine, whose brilliant work in Rebecca landed her an Oscar nomination that year as well. Dennis Morgan is always fun to watch---he has the most adorable lopsided smile. He and Ginger had fantastic chemistry together here. James Craig I'm not familiar with---this is the only film I've seen him in.
Out on DVD, Kitty Foyle should be quite easy to track down. I think it's a delightful movie and a definite must-see for all Ginger fans. Try to catch it if you can.
Happy viewing!!
