One Foot in Heaven (1941)

One of the ten films up for Best Picture of 1941 was One Foot in Heaven, a little-known sentimental drama starring Fredric March and Martha Scott.  Directed by Irving Rapper, and with a Max Steiner score, One Foot in Heaven is a gem of a film, garnering 4 stars from me. Based on the autobiography of Hartzell Spence, this touching movie covers approximately two decades in the life of the author's father, Methodist minister, William Spence (Fredric March).

Reverend Spence's story begins in 1904, in Ontario, Canada, where he surprises his fiance, Hope Morris (Martha Scott), and her family, with the news that having been touched by the Spirit of God at a revival meeting the previous week, he has abandoned his plans of practicing medicine and, instead, has given his life to the healing of men's souls.  Not only has his vocation plan changed, but so have his living arrangements---he has been offered a church in a tiny town in Iowa.  Speaking a passage in the Bible about going where he goes, Hope offers her support to William, and the two are wed and then embark on their new life.

The film chronicles the ups and downs of the Spences life as they go about living with "one foot on earth, and one foot already in Heaven."  From welcoming two sons and a daughter into their family, to seeking to raise their children according to their religious convictions, to financial pressures, shabby housing, self-righteous parishioners, and moves to other cities, the Spences face each day with faith in God and each other.  (There's a scene in which Reverend Spence, in an effort to teach Hartzell the "dangers" of movies, takes his son to the theatre.  The two see a William S. Hart silent film, The Silent Man.  That is the closest I've been to a non-talkie since turning off Wings six years ago!)

One Foot in Heaven isn't an overly exciting film---there are no major action scenes---but it is, nevertheless, a sweet, touching, and very worthwhile film.  It depicts a healthy, loving, functional family; a strong belief in God;  a desire to live a moral life, without making the morality akin to self-righteousness.  While action-craving audiences of today might find a film like this boring, I appreciate the opportunity to see a devoutly religious person living out his faith without being depicted as a sanctimonious hypocrite.  After catching Rain (reviewed HERE) last year and being troubled by the self-righteousness of the preacher in that film (Walter Huston, in a fantastic performance), One Foot in Heaven is a lovely breath of fresh air.  While the family has a strong moral code by which they live, they are never "holier than thou" about it.  They simply live their lives according to their convictions, all the while extending love and kindness to those who might not see things as they do, sometimes even being willing to change with the times.  The preacher's annoyance wasn't with "the sinners," but with the church.  In fact, at one point he said, "The real heathen are in the church."  As a deeply religious person myself, I appreciate the positive portrayal of a faith I hold dear.



The film's cast is wonderful.  Some of the supporting players include Beulah Bondi, Gene Lockhart, Moroni Olsen, Elisabeth Fraser, Frankie Thomas, Laura Hope Crews, and Harry Davenport.  Martha Scott, who will always be Judah Ben-Hur's mother to me, is really lovely here. And Fredric March---very nearly at "beloved" status in my book---is terrific.  He portrays Reverend Spence with an appropriate mixture of sternness and love...and his prayers are powerful indeed!

Incidentally, when I popped by TCM to look for a video to include, I noticed that there are 11 pages of reviews for this lovely film.  That is, by far, the most reviews I have ever noticed for any film on TCM.  I read only 3 pages of them, but every single one was glowing in its praise and begging for the film to be made available on DVD; the overall TCM star rating was 4 1/3, and the Leonard Maltin review gave it 3.5 out of 4 stars. Obviously, despite being a film of little "action," its charm more than makes up for that.  If you enjoy inspiring, uplifting stories, this ought to fit the bill nicely.

Not out on DVD and rarely on the TCM schedule, however, One Foot in Heaven may prove to be quite difficult to track down.  If you get a chance to see it, though, I highly recommend it...if only to be transported to a time that is no more.

Happy viewing!

The Gay Sisters (4 stars)

The Gay Sisters, from 1942, is an Irving Rapper romantic drama starring Barbara Stanwyck, George Brent, and Geraldine Fitzgerald, with Nancy Coleman, Donald Crisp, and Gig Young taking on supporting roles.  Having enjoyed Miss Stanwyck and Mr. Brent together in My Reputation, I was anxious to see their other collaborations, so when this film appeared on the TCM schedule early last year, I made it a point to set the DVR.  As part of my George Brent birthday celebration, I thought a re-watch was in order.

After losing his wife in the sinking of the Lusitania, wealthy Penn Gaylord enlists to serve in the first world war, leaving his three young daughters in the care of the family servants.

Telling the oldest daughter, Fiona, that she is now the head of the household, Penn instructs her to see to it that the house, which has been in the family for three generations, continues to be run by the Gaylord servants in the Gaylord manner.

After reminding Fiona that the land is the Gaylord's religion and obtaining her promise to never sell the land, Mr. Gaylord sets off for Europe, where not long afterwards, he is killed in battle.  Although Gaylord's will had been considered indestructible, for twenty years it has been contested and appealed, leaving the girls unable to receive their inheritance.

Each of the three Gaylord daughters---now a grown woman---has her own struggles and heartache.  There's Susanna (Nancy Coleman), the baby of the family.  In love with an artist named Gig Young (played by Gig Young), she wants to annul a hastily-made 4-hour marriage.  When the husband refuses to give her an annulment, Susanna hopes to buy him off with part of the Gaylord fortune---if the will ever gets probated, that is.

Middle daughter, Evalyne (Geraldine Fitzgerald), had run off to England years earlier, where she married a man in the RAF and captured the title Lady Burton for herself.  Now back home, she is up to her old habit of wanting whatever it is Susanna has---this time wanting Gig.

Strong, feisty, tough-as-nails oldest daughter, Fiona (Barbara Stanwyck), is the one who refuses to allow the will to be settled.

Clinging tightly to her promise to always hold onto the land, she has no intention of allowing it to slip into the hands of Charles Barclay (George Brent)---even if the man does claim her father made another will while overseas...a will which gave his charity possession of the land.

 It soon becomes apparent, though, that Fiona's refusal to settle with Barclay has just as much to do with her secret past relationship with the man as it does with her promise to her father.

What is it about Barclay which so raises Fiona's ire?   Why won't Barclay compromise with Fiona?  Will Susanna get the money for her divorce and, thus, marry Gig before Evalyne steals him from her?  Does Evalyne really even want him?  Does he want her?  And just who is the little boy Fiona brought home from a trip to the country?  These are the questions which play out in this enjoyable film.

The Gay Sisters is a great little film, which showcases the completely wonderful talent of Barbara Stanwyck.  She is terrific in this role---strong and feisty, yet with a touch of tenderness.  Her scenes with the little boy are adorable.  Nancy Coleman and Geraldine Fitzgerald were both really great in their roles as well, and I must say the casting of the little girl who portrayed the young Susanna was spot-on.  I could truly see that girl growing up to look exactly like Nancy Coleman.  And George Brent---he's really wonderful here...strong, dashing, exciting.  His chemistry with Miss Stanwyck was super.  Actually, I think he had great chemistry with whomever he worked with!  I guess he just had one of those personalities which mixed well with everyone.  Gig Young playing Gig Young was a bit on the odd side---not sure what that was all about, but he was more than adequate in the role.

This movie is not out on DVD; however, it is available on YouTube (in several different parts).  Go HERE for part 1.  Also, it is on the TCM schedule for this Friday, March 9th at 9:00 a.m. (ET).  Hope you get a chance to see it.

Happy viewing!!

Another Man's Poison (2 stars)

Another Man's Poison, from 1952, is a mystery/drama starring my absolute #1 gal, Bette Davis, and her then-husband Gary Merrill.  This film was made in England, with the Merrills making the trip there at the request of the movie's producer, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.  Directed by Irving Rapper, Another Man's Poison had been on my must-watch list for the past three years, but since I haven't been able to locate it on DVD and since TCM never has it on their schedule, I haven't had the opportunity to catch it...until recently, when I discovered it on YouTube.  Thrilled beyond belief to have finally tracked this movie down, I settled in to watch it with my daughter the other night; however, much as it pains me to say it, both daughter (who also loves the fabulous Bette) and I were extremely disappointed.  (I believe this is the first Bette Davis film I have ever 2-starred.)

Mystery writer Janet Frobisher (Davis) receives an unexpected, unannounced late night visitor---one George Bates (Merrill), who is looking for Frobisher's estranged husband, George Preston.  Bates and Preston had pulled off a robbery together, with Bates being fingered as the shooting suspect, and hoping to clear himself, he is in search of Preston.  Only problem is, Janet killed her husband that very morning. 

Convinced that the answer to his problems is to pose as Preston, Bates disposes of the body and then begins to masquerade as Janet's husband.  The charade is very much against Janet's will, however, as she not only despises Bates, but is also involved with another man.  She is determined to get Bates out of her life for good, and accomplishing that may just prove to be her undoing.

While Another Man's Poison sounds like an extremely interesting film, the plot is painfully slow-moving; also, much as I hate to say it, I found zero chemistry between Davis and Merrill.  While they had sizzled together in All About Eve, that same fire just wasn't anywhere to be found in this film.  Bette, as always, was in top form, but even a fabulous actress can't redeem a bad script or an agonizingly slow-moving plot.  The final four or five minutes, when all the twists and turns play out, is the most interesting part of this film.

As a major-huge Bette Davis fan, I absolutely had to view this movie, and I figure all Davis fans probably feel similarly.  So if you want to give this one a try, HERE is its YouTube link, where you will find the film in its entirety.

Happy viewing!!

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!!   

Deception (4 stars)

Deception, an Irving Rapper drama from 1946, reunites Bette Davis, Paul Henreid, and Claude Rains, who had starred together four years earlier in Now, Voyager (my all-time favorite movie).  Though Bette Davis gets top billing and did do her normal wonderful job here, I think Claude Rains really steals the show.  He is totally brilliant in his role.

Bette is Christine Radcliffe, a concert pianist, who has become the mistress of her instructor, renowned composer Alexander Hollenius (Rains).  Alex enables Christine to live a very extravagant lifestyle...fancy apartment, lavish decor, beautiful clothes, etc.

One evening, Christine attends a concert, where European cellist Karel Novak (Paul Henreid) is performing for the first time in the United States.  While in Europe before the war, Christine and Karel had been deeply in love; however, the war separated them, and Christine eventually came to believe Karel had been killed.  After the concert is over, Christine goes backstage and is reunited with her long-lost love, who declares to her that only his hope of finding her again kept him alive.  Seeing no wedding ring on Christine's finger, Karel is relieved, and he suggests that they finally fulfill their plan of getting married.

However, while Christine is not married, she is attached...to a very jealous Alex Hollenius.  But Christine doesn't want Karel to know the truth about her relationship with Alex.  She doesn't want him to know she's been kept by Alex.  She doesn't want Karel to think she is anything but a struggling music teacher who has remained true to him even though she thought him dead.   So, one lie after another pours from her mouth, and, amazingly, Karel really has no idea of the true nature of Christine's relationship with Alex.  And Alex has no intention of letting Christine go...even after she and Karel are married.

Do Christine and Karel find happiness?  Does Christine stop lying?  Does Karel learn the truth?  Does Alex let Christine go?  These are the questions that play out through the balance of the movie.  It's very interesting, and, again, I must say that Claude Rains was magnificent in this role.  I didn't think the chemistry between Bette Davis and Paul Henreid was as strong as it was in Now, Voyager.  But since Now, Voyager is my all-time favorite movie, I suppose it's hard for me to be totally objective.  Anyhow, Deception is a very solid 4-star film for me, and I highly recommend it.

Happy viewing!!