Film Overview"All This, and Heaven Too" is a 1940 American drama movie directed by Anatole Litvak and produced by Jack L. Warner. The film stars Bette Davis and Charles Boyer. It is based on the real-life Henriette Deluzy-Desportes's outrageous French trial for murder. The film was adapted from a novel of a similar title written by Rachel Field.
Plot and ContextThe movie starts in a class in 19th-century New York, with a French instructor, Henriette Deluzy-Desportes (played by Bette Davis), briefing her students about the infamous murder trial of her previous work in France. The flashback embeded in 1846 Paris exposes the Duke and Duchess de Praslin. The Duke, Charles (played by Charles Boyer), is portrayed as a caring male trapped within a turbulent marriage with his envious and hysterical other half, the Duchess (played by Barbara O'Neil).
Character Development and ConflictAs the movie progresses, Henriette, employed as the governess for the de Praslin children, turns out to be the calm sanctuary in the disorderly environment at the de Praslin's family house. Henriette's kind-hearted nature wins the kids's love and admiration, adding to the Duke being drawn to her. Nevertheless, the growing fondness and innocent affection in between Charles and Henriette even more enrage the Duchess, causing false accusations towards Henriette for attempting to disintegrate the household. The yearning for love and devotion in between Charles and Henriette is heartbreakingly unsatisfied due to social restraints and worry of developing scandal.
Climax and ResolutionIn a fit of rage and madness, Charles murders the Duchess. Although Henriette was not associated with the Duchess's murder, she is noted as a co-defendant in the trial due to her connection with the family and her palpable bond with Charles. The scandal forces Henriette to leave France and relocate to America, where she starts her profession as an instructor.
In the gripping courtroom drama, Charles refuses to tarnish Henriette's track record by revealing the nature of their psychological connection. Before the decision might be passed, Charles commits suicide, leaving Henriette in the eyes of the general public as a murderess. Despite all the difficulties, Henriette remains a symbol of durability and tremendous strength.
Crucial Reception and Conclusion"All This, and Heaven Too" got positive reviews for its remarkable acting, particularly the efficiencies of Bette Davis and Charles Boyer. The film was chosen for 3 Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actress (Barbara O'Neil), Best Cinematography (Ernest Haller), and Best Picture.
In conclusion, "All This, and Heaven Too" provides a poignant tale of love, sacrifice, and durability against societal mores. While the heart-wrenching love story between Charles and Henriette is the core story, it's the representation of their unfinished yearning that is extremely compelling and forms the genuine substance of this traditional Hollywood movie.
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