den_quixote

In reading through the numerous reviews for this film I was startled to see that almost no one mentioned the fabulous Butterfly McQueen. Ms. McQueen who begins the movie as the Pierce family maid steals the movie in her typecast role. This role and several similar roles caused her to retire from film in 1947 after only a dozen or so performances, mostly or only as a maid. She stated at the time, "I don't mind being funny, but I don't like being stupid." She came out of retirement in 1950 for the television show "Beulah" where she was again cast as a maid. She then did some more television and made one final appearance on film in 1986. She was a lifelong atheist as an adult and was noted for her quote "Just as my ancestors were free from slavery, I am free from the slavery of religion." She received a bachelor's degree in political science from City College of New York in 1964. She lived in anonymity in retirement near Augusta Georgia where her neighbors knew her only as "Thelma" her given name at birth.

Other remarkable performances were by the 17 year old Ann Blyth and Joan Crawford in her greatest role. Michael Curtiz directed in an effort that is nearly the equal of "Casablanca." Gail Patrick and Eve Arden are their usual stalwart selves.

I would happily give the movie a 10 except for the character of Bruce Bennett, who plays Mildred's first husband. One can never get a handle on just what is going on with him.

This should have been a great movie. It has all the ingredients. There is a tremendous cast and a compelling story alongside a groundbreaking legal case. However, it did not work out that way. The writer seems to be unable to identify the actual plot points that are the crux of the story and the director is too intent on providing artistic flourishes that have this audience member yelling at the screen to get on with it already. I don't know for a fact but it would seem that the editor has earned a significant portion of the blame too. The movie is disjointed enough to be nearly incomprehensible at times. Finally, wasting another brilliant performance by Woody Harrelson and making no effort at all to investigate Richard Jenkins' story, making him look like the worst father in America is really criminal.