Woman's World

In the fifties, Fox specialized in this multiple stories around one theme stories that were making money and the other studios started to copy. Movies like Three Coins the Fountain, How to marry a millionaire, We're not married!, forcing MGM to make Executive Suite which A woman's World is a lot like. One of three men will get the high post of a high-up executive in charge of production for a car company? Who it will be will be decided by the kind of woman they are married to. This film calmly taking its time shows the nuisances of the businessworld, the path to success and failure; the folly/desire for power in the nature of man by contrasting all the characters. The ending is a surprise and so is the movie. And most importantly, it gets better with every viewing.

Watching how the actors are strategically placed on screen while performing their chores in WOMAN'S WORLD made me recall how seldom close-ups were used when CinemaScope was new. Instead, medium shots are used almost extensively so that the screen is filled by someone standing far left and the other far right. Occasionally the camera does move in a little closer for an over the shoulder shot, but it's obvious that CinemaScope was new and lensing a film in Wide Screen was not an easy matter.

The performances are all interesting, with LAUREN BACALL and ARLENE DAHL coming off best, while JUNE ALLYSON is forced to play a klutzy housewife with too many slip-ups to be tolerable. CLIFTON WEBB is the auto executive who wants to examine the wives of men he's considering for a top job at his auto plant. The men are well played by VAN HEFLIN, CORNEL WILDE and FRED MacMURRAY.

If you liked films like EXECUTIVE SUITE, all about climbing the corporate ladder, you'll enjoy this one--and furthermore it has sumptuous settings enhanced by color photography. Women will enjoy all the costumes and men will stay tuned to see which man Webb chooses for his open executive job.

Witty dialogue helps with Lauren Bacall handling her lines with the kind of skill she always brought to these kind of roles. Arlene Dahl shows a little more skill than usual as an actress with a strong confrontational scene with Webb.

Worth a look, but don't expect anything deep.

Woman's World was recommended to me through a friend of the family, and I'm very glad they did! Through the 94 minutes of this film, I was laughing out loud constantly (mainly because of June Allyson's goofy character), but also on the edge of my seat wondering who would get the job! It's rather sad that this isn't as well known as it should be, because it is a real laugh but also very climatic.

Three men are up for a major promotion in a car company and the man in charge (Clifton Webb) decides that each are fit for the job, but his decision will be based on one thing: their wives. Bill (Cornel Wilde) and Katie (June Allyson) care about each other too much to sacrifice seeing each other often. Sid (Fred MacMurray) and Elizabeth (Lauren Bacall) fight constantly as her husband is a workaholic, which causes trouble with his health. Jerry (Van Helfin) and Carol (Arlene Dahl) seem to want the job too much, and Carol goes to extreme lengths in an effort to make Jerry get the job.

Woman's World is nothing deep or revolutionary, it's just a classy comedy (I could watch it for the fashions alone!) with some big stars. It does look dated from today's standards, but I still really enjoyed it! The plot stays the same (in many ways, this is good) throughout the movie. Simply, sophisticated and elegant. Great 1954 comedy.

Initially I was intrigued by the title and after investigating on IMDB was impressed by the actors all well known and respected. The premise is interesting however done in other films. This was a very pleasant movie with beautiful scenes of New York City and Long Island. Women's clothes quite lovely especially Lauren Bacall who can wear a dress like none other. While I was puzzled about the ending figured it out half way through. All characters played perfectly ie Clifton Webb his usual snobbish arrogant role. My only annoyance was June Allison's character a bit over the top and too stupid to be believed. I guess she does that role well. Favorite wife: Lauren Bacall favorite husband Van Heflin. He is an underrated actor who has played a wide range of roles always excellent.

This film is worth watching.

Initially skeptical about "Woman's World" (1954), especially since it was directed by Jean Negulesco, whose previous work hadn't impressed me, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of this romantic drama. The film's great merit lies in its impeccable cast. June Allyson, commonly perceived as bland, delivers a hilarious and touching performance as the naive Katie, while Lauren Bacall and Arlene Dahl exude elegance and charm as the sophisticated wives of Ralph (Fred MacMurray) and Ernest (Van Heflin), respectively. Clifton Webb, with his imposing demeanor, commands the screen as the acerbic Mr. Pendergast. MacMurray and Wilde overflow with sympathy in their roles, while Heflin demonstrates his versatility as an actor.

The plot revolves around Katie's "mishaps" and the "schemes" of the ambitious Carla (Dahl), while their husbands vie for the coveted position of company president. Despite the focus on the women, it's a shame that the three husbands are relegated to the background in the story.

Tension mounts as we try to guess which of the candidates will be chosen. The narrative holds some surprises, and I confess I guessed the outcome correctly.

"Woman's World" is a light and enjoyable film, ideal for those seeking quality entertainment. The chemistry between the actors, sharp dialogue, and Negulesco's competent direction (which excels here) ensure a rewarding cinematic experience. I recommend it to all lovers of classic romantic comedies and films with stellar casts.