Kitty Hollywood reviews: Now Voyager

Warner Bros: 1942
Produced: Hal B. Wallis
Directed: Irving Rapper
Starring:
Bette Davis
Paul Henreid
Gladys Cooper
Claude Rains
Bette Davis was never one to do things half-heartedly and this film is case in point. Don't get all het up about logistics or money or adoption rights (or the fact that you said Sanitarium all the way through the review when you actually meant Sanitorium - obviously thinking too much about Weet-bix) Just watch it. It's worth it.

[@sfden50]

This is my favorite Bette Davis film by far. The talent on display here is staggering - just incredible.

[@duranddavis7710]

Dennis Hartnett What about “The Letter”?

[@billolsen4360]

@@duranddavis7710 They're neck & neck as far as I'm concerned. Betty coming out of the house shooting a loud pistol at the man until the chamber's empty is the greatest entrance of her career.

[@victoriaorsson3037]

The way Paul Henreid doesn’t take her eyes off Charlotte/Bette Davis at any time he’s with her. He does not take his eyes off her throughout the entire film it, is utterly romantic and captivating. I can see why he was Hollywood’s golden boy at the time. He really brought the magic in this role.

[@Patrick3183]

This is one of Bette's best films

[@JoanBette]

Patrick3183 Mine too! I think she should have won the Oscar for this one.

[@jaymesguy239]

To Mary Wickes' character: "Dora, I suspect you're a treasure!"

[@melenatorr]

Also wonderful relationship with Bonita Granville, as the initially-bratty June. I especially love the scene in the parlor after Charlotte's tour, with June excitedly following Charlotte to one shocked grouping after another, and culminating in a lovely, genuine moment at the door.

[@LazlosPlane]

This is, by far, the most extraordinary screen performance, by male or female, ever made. Davis' character undergoes about 7 layers of transformations and she articulates them, all, to perfection. Think about it: 1. We see her as a middle aged (almost) frump. then, in flashback, as, 2. a frivolous teenager 3. Then, as a someone healthier version of no. 1 at the sanatorium. 4. She then evolves further as "Charlotte Vail," coming each step further and further out of her shell of fear and self doubt. 5. as a relapsed neurotic after her mother's death. 6. her resurrection upon meeting Tina 7. Her ultimate (?) blooming as she set boundaries with Jerry and the end. And you know how she puts it. Thanks.

[@johnlorenzen4633]

Fabulous clear analysis

[@Wsaetre]

This is merely an opinion. Subjective, certainly not objective. Immaterial whether or not I or anyone else agrees with it. Curb your enthusiasm, Mr. Lazlos.

[@LazlosPlane]

@@Wsaetre And who the hell gives a damn what YOU think? I'm allowed to be as enthusiastic as I please, Mr. Enthusiasm Policeman.

[@donovanjones3282]

@@LazlosPlane your opinion is trash

[@jleon1985]

I watched this movie a couple of weeks ago on TCM and loved it. I was hoping it was on KZbin for free but the site seems to be renting it out. I came across this review and I liked it a lot interesting background information on Bette's influence on director. Can't wait to see your other reviews.

[@R08Tam]

Bette was never afraid of appearing unattractive in her roles. Just look at Whatever happened to Baby Jane.

[@auapplemac1976]

Or Queen Elizabeth I.

[@billolsen4360]

@@auapplemac1976 Or Dead Ringer.

[@luisferr2001]

great review of one of my favorite films! BTW, you look a bit like Davis!

[@annademo]

One of the best films ever made.

[@ronphillips3339]

10 out of 10.......A Film of Pure Class

[@DrMoorehen]

thank you for a delicious review!

[@sugarlove]

fantastic review my dear! love it!!!!!

[@CaminoAir]

Curtiz would not have been the right director, regardless of how good he was. Even being a guy I still enjoy this film, even if it is a romanticised view of life and its struggles. It's a classy 'ugly duckling/beautiful swan' tale.

[@hebneh]

9:21 - "...she had to get thin and beautiful in order to do so successfully." Yes, but remember that this is a movie. We have to SEE things in order for us to understand the story. We can't just be told about how people feel. So the physical transformation is important for Charlotte's change to become really evident. And yeah, it's a Hollywood movie from 1942, so the major star isn't going to look ugly the entire time - that too.

[@eliothorowitz5627]

Claud Rains was more than Bette's favorite actors, he was also her confidante when she was in crisis. If you've not reviewed this yet, I suggest "Mr. Skeffington" Sort of a reverse "Now, Voyager" and in my opinion, Bette and Claud were never better.

[@ynotann]

Thank you for this very informative video. I have Orry Kelly's book "Women I've Undressed" and it is full of wonderful gowns that he designed. There is a picture of Bette Davis in a beautiful gown from "Now Voyager" in this book. It looks a million dollars. It is in black and white though. Best wishes from Ann in South Australia.

[@KittyHollywoodReview]

My apologies for this belated reply! Thank you very much for this kind comment. We went to see the Gillian Armstrong documentary 'Women He's Undressed' about Orry Kelly that came out last year and it is marvellous. It shows the scene where Bette comes down the staircase in this white and shimmery number from this film and both my husband and I just GASPED at how beautiful it was - and my husband does not normally gasp at 1940's couture! Try to get your hands on the doco - it is wonderful.

[@RaymondHng]

The documentary _Women He's Undressed_ is available for rent at kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6KVkJ6iZ86Bna8

[@nat4581]

Wasn't Gladys Cooper in Rebecca?

[@cathyhensley3349]

I love Paul Henreid in this. He and Davis are wonderful together.

[@kristine8338]

When conversations were real, good conversations and lifted people up ❕

[@hebneh]

Charlotte's quick change from ugly to glamorous is really enjoyable to see. It's so theatrical and typically Hollywood that you can't help but laugh, but in a very good way. You feel so good for her.

[@windstorm1000]

Yes!! Notice the butterfly pin? Transformation?

[@cathyhudson7735]

You are amazing for this Video commentary. Just found this. How many critiques have you done? Please tell me more!! Please respond!

[@vintageman91]

Davis was diverse wich is very good, probably more than most. And other worldly beautiful

[@tiggywinkle20]

My favourite film. All the stars give great performances but Bette and Claud Raines are outstanding. Gladys Cooper wonderful as always and Mary Wicks as the nurse. Raines could be my psychiatrist any day if I needed one as he is so very convincing and gentle. Paul Henreid perfect as the romantic lead. Love it. Thank you.❤️

[@tiggywinkle20]

Yes,

[@tiggywinkle20]

Janice Wilson as Tina is lovely, especially when she comes down the staircase looking pretty to see her father, a renewed and happy daughter.❤️

[@annchurchill2638]

Is there any way I can see this film online FOR FREE?

[@scottgates6993]

Watch it for the music and the acting, too! God I love this movie. I saw it on the big screen in 1978 and the last scene where you see the camera pan up to the stars, the whole audience gasp at the beauty of the scene.

[@stephenfermoyle4578]

oh Kitty '' Now Voyager'' is a classic glad you reviewed the film.

[@blondwiththewind]

This was so much fun, Kitty :-) Thank you for such a terrific review, and all the insight and little tidbits of related information as well. It was also very cool of you to dress up in the manner of the era....a fabulous little "extra touch". I have been wanting to see this film for a very long time....and I just can't seem to get ahold of it anywhere. Ah well: it's bound to happen at some point. I will look forward to checking out some of your other reviews as well.

[@buddyh17]

the incomparable max Steiner won the Oscar for this musical score !....max did most of the great movies including gone with the wind and Casablanca

[@Households1234]

You are delightful. Most enjoyable review.

[@TheObbyblobby]

You know you're watching a great review when this happens 1:14

[@lynngregory393]

You are so charming. I love the way you talk about this movie. I feel like I am sitting on a couch in your living room listening intently.

[@slaypotato1515]

Oh my as soon as the music starts ya know it’s a Steiner score n I wait to see his name on the credits against the ocean liner the music swells n there he is same thing in gone with the wind when the music builds I wait for it n there’s his name against the dogwoods his scores n miss Bette Davis is the best now voyager is pure Bette n her outfit after the transformation as the camera pans up me sets tone tone for rest of pic I couldn’t imagine having a wardrobe like that made for me ya don’t see couture like that on Oscar runways today who ever watches this movie especially for first time get the tissues ready. 🥲

[@otisussery9124]

What about SET" DESIGN..." some of the Interior sets on these Old movies were absolutely. ." Fabulous. .."

[@Marcel_Audubon]

Gladys Cooper was often referred to as "the most beautiful woman of her generation" ... she was mainly on the London stage during those years so I've never seen her in a movie from then, but we get a hint of her beauty from the pic briefly shown here. Hooray for her to take on such an ugly role here ... so, so memorable as the mother from Hell.

[@johnlorenzen4633]

Excellent analysis

[@starababa1985]

Gladys Cooper also played the part of the bitter nun in Song of Bernadette. She excelled in such roles.

[@timothyhopkins6960]

I have always loved this movie . Your review was so great . You are the best .

[@canuckyukyuk9164]

I've always wondered what colour the beautiful beaded cape was... I also liked "Dark Victory", "All About Eve" and "In This Our Life"(mostly because she plays a character named "Stanley" and Olivia Dehavilland plays her sister, "Roy".)

[@JP51ism]

I guess the picture inset @2:15 is from the earlier Curtiz film cited ? LOL! @5:50 re: "accosted to light cigarettes" for women the rest of his life. Also Ms. Kitty, so correct on this being about relationships, not just in a narrow gender sense, but myriad power dynamics.

[@rachel-hb4xj]

My mom and I used to watch this..fond memories..

[@guilfordcigarman]

10 out of 10 in my book, honey!

[@guilfordcigarman]

...make that 11 out of 10!

[@lauracorbett4577]

Now Voyager is one of my favorite Bette Davis movies. Bette Davis is amazing in this film I love it I watch it all the time. I love that she goes away from her domineering mother and gets her health together apart from how she looks in the beginning of the film

[@joanlyoung1]

Absolutely Love the hand gestures, but perhaps a smidgen less, at moments, because your reviews are Worth It. 9 out of 10! Bette Davis Is as always No.1

[@allmc2008]

My fave of her films.

[@tomsparks6099]

My absolute favorite BD movie. Love how she kills her mother with her words. Best clip next to Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte when Olivia D'havilalnd smacks the shit out of her in the car.

[@bduhe219]

just saw it again a night or two ago...feel in love all over again. and that dress...that stunning dress BETTE wore at the party when she was introduced to JERRY right before he tells her he could not see her again. WOW! when she got home, and it was dark, and as she walked across the room, the shimmering of the almost electric bolt chevrons on that dress...STUNNING! if this was not an EDITH HEAD picture, it almost bests her greatest work in that one dress alone.

[@windstorm1000]

About where in the film is that

[@bduhe219]

@@windstorm1000 I don't rember exactly, but I think right before the scene she goes up to see her mother and she has her heart attack...I'm thinking. I haven't seen the movie in a few years, but I think that's right.

[@joanlyoung1]

You are looking so devastatingly Davis, my dear

[@irish89055]

Now Voyager ...10/10

[@billolsen4360]

I think Charlotte found out what made her happy was doing for others. If you go into psycho analysis to just make yourself happy, it's a dead end.

[@garybowsie8275]

Many men loved this film

[@TheTibmeister]

Spot on. One of my favourites with Jezebel and The Letter. My only lingering doubt was Paul Henreid as in Casablanca, he’s a trifle wooden. I cannot imagine him pulling himself upright and really fighting for his woman. Even in Voyager he isn’t that convincing when handing his daughter over to the woman he loves rather than fighting for her. Saying that, in my opinion it’s in my top ten of films ever made.

[@LazlosPlane]

Yes, Brava, Janet Wilson.

[@jameseaton9746]

Max tore up the screen with his music

[@garycolton6522]

Any story that has the Cinderella formula women absolutely lap it up!.

[@schlocklover]

Brilliant,

[@arnepianocanada]

Watch it free of explaining-away. Beauty then or now - little different. A woman *chooses* and educes the man's agreement. And the two blowing smoke - what a symbolic sex scene! Ha, it got past the censors 😉😁

[@cicobuffy]

Great review and especially great to see this film given the treatment. It’s a marvellous melodrama with Bette never better imho. As an aside the book is very similar but deals far more with a class difference between Bette and Paul Henreids character. A movie to enjoy many times, so many fantastic scenes.

[@just1desi]

The movie and acting was fantastic. However, that ending pissed me off instead of moving on with her life after her brief fling gives her confidence she decides to throw herself under a married man and take care of his daughter while he lives his full life. Martyr much. Your review made me rethink that a bit though. I suppose she did get to make the choice as to what She wanted for her life

[@windstorm1000]

Excellent

[@catman3552]

One of Bettes most popular films with her fans. It's On my top 10 list.

[@buddyh17]

after Robert Osborn, I know more about old movies than anybody else

[@Richie8a8y]

You look like Bette in this film - the pretty one

[@kristinaoconnor2480]

Love your review and the movie

[@craigbeasley1]

I'm actually considering to change my name to this title!

[@kickthespike]

I think you'll find her name is Bette Davis not Betty Davis!

[@IlseBelievesInPink]

It's written Bette but pronounced as "Bettie".

[@BobbyCalloway]

She did say something about this in an interview. It should be pronounced "bet" (Bette Midler pronounces it that way) but she always preferred "betty".

[@Marcel_Audubon]

Paul Henreid directed one of Bette's great later movies, Dead Ringer. You owe it to yourself to watch this one if you haven't seen it!

[@milkacooki2183]

merci !

[@jayborn2610]

this woman is infatuated with the romantic version of Hollywood production. She is right it is a great film but she seems to confuse Bette Davis the actor with the writer of the story. Bette Davis is playing a character as it was written. Flawless performance, but she was not the author of the character, or of the story.

[@brkitdwn]

something is off.. I think it's the angle of your chair

[@Marcel_Audubon]

"Gloss, just gloss" ... happy to!

[@joev4545]

Like all your reviews.. your good

[@buddyh17]

this was bette's favorite movie

[@stephenfermoyle4578]

Dora i do believe you are a treasure BD

[@amyclarke41]

great film the character was ok gladys were nasty but i was so sad they didnt make up claude rains was my man not paul 😣

[@LazlosPlane]

Gowns? Watch it for the gowns? LIke saying, "see Hamlet for the skull." Ugh, you chicks. drive me nuts.

[@charmedprince]

So you only heard that part huh? She said many other things before the gowns!

[@felixwaterman4448]

One reviewer saw the clothes as an integral part of the film. Davis's psychological state being mirrored by what she is wearing. The butterfly cape reflects the emerging Charlotte borrowing another person's life and style. Charlotte's relapse is mirrored in her tailored "fat lady" clothes supplied by her mother. My favourite scene is the first party and the way Charlotte deals with her family's surprise. Two great moments, "I'm not afraid, Mother." and "My dear, you'd fit in anywhere." (The latter after that party.) Music, photography, clothes - and Bette Davis - all come together in Charlotte's first appearance on the ship. Glorious.

[@Wsaetre]

Why, I repeat, WHY must you flail your hands and arms all over the place? It is distracting, betrays lack of focus and self control, not to mention nervousness. TOP IT. Also, “blah blah blah “ does not compensate for the lack of being well spoken, or articulate.