Spitfire (1934)

Spitfire Poster

Dirt-poor mountain girl Trigger Hicks is a loner. Her faith-healing is mistaken for witchcraft by the community. She falls for an engineer building a dam, who protects her.

Movie Overview
"Spitfire" is an American romantic drama film from 1934, directed by John Cromwell and starring the legendary starlet Katharine Hepburn. The movie is an adjustment of the 1933 play "Trigger" by Lula Vollmer.

Plot Summary
In the Appalachian Mountains, a spiritual mountain resident, Trigger Hicks (Katharine Hepburn), lives by a conservative interpretation of the Bible, revering superstitious notion and fearing God's wrath. She is shunned by her neighborhood for her eccentric behaviors and feared for her 'witchy' healing powers. Presuming herself as the reincarnation of Jezebel, she anticipates dark prophecies in her singular existence.

In contrast to the rural setting is the development of modernity in the kind of a brand-new dam building and construction. Engineer Stafford (Robert Young) and his accomplice, George Fleetwood (Ralph Bellamy), are employees on that dam task. Trigger forms a platonic relationship with George, while Stafford courts regional beauty Eleanor (Sara Haden).

The story even more meanders when Trigger, in her obsessive commitment to her faith, makes a vow to God to quit her life and "wicked" desires if Eleanor's ill kid recuperates. When the kid's condition does improve, Trigger is convinced it's a divine sign to fulfill her pledge.

Character Depictions and Performances
Trigger Hicks, played by Katharine Hepburn, is the surprising anchor of the film. Her efficiency stands out for her of a so-called "mountain lady" home in the remote Appalachian area. Hepburn splendidly records Hicks's complications-- her faith, superstition, and her 'witchy' persona-- that ostracizes her from her community.

Robert Young and Ralph Bellamy, in the characters of Stafford and George Fleetwood respectively, are the fresh breeze of urbanity in the background of rural landscapes. Sara Haden, in the function of Eleanor, includes another intriguing character to the setting.

Crucial Reception
"Spitfire" got combined reviews from critics. Regardless of the lackluster feedback at the time of its release, the movie has actually garnered attention in later years for its nuanced representation of Appalachian culture, superstition, and faith. Hepburn's efficiency obviously stands apart in the film, portraying a deeply problematic yet intriguing main character.

Conclusion
"Spitfire" is an appealing mix of drama, superstitious notion, faith, and love in the Appalachian mountains setting. Though it might not have actually been the most significant success throughout its release, Hepburn's efficiency and the movie's undeniable character research study include a distinct appeal to it. With a run time of about 87 minutes, "Spitfire" presents a fascinating narrative about an eccentric female house in the separated mountains coming to grips with her faith and desire, while modernity aims to make its inroads into her world.

Top Cast

  • Katharine Hepburn (small)
    Katharine Hepburn
    Trigger Hicks
  • Robert Young (small)
    Robert Young
    John Stafford
  • Ralph Bellamy (small)
    Ralph Bellamy
    George Fleetwood
  • Martha Sleeper (small)
    Martha Sleeper
    Eleanor Stafford
  • Louis Mason (small)
    Louis Mason
    Bill Grayson
  • Sara Haden (small)
    Sara Haden
    Etta Dawson
  • Virginia Howell (small)
    Virginia Howell
    Granny Raines
  • Sidney Toler (small)
    Sidney Toler
    Jim Sawyer
  • Will Geer (small)
    Will Geer
    West Fry
  • John Beck
    Jake Hawkins
  • Therese Wittler
    Mrs. Sawyer