Intro to "That Certain Woman""That Certain Woman" is a drama film released in 1937, directed by Edmund Goulding and starring Bette Davis as the durable lead character, Mary Donnell. The film explores styles of love, sacrifice, and societal expectations as it follows the life of a young widow entangled in intricate romantic and individual battles.
Plot Overview and Character IntroductionMary Donnell is a former secretary and widow of an infamous gangster. Despite her past, she is a lady of dignity and strength, working to build a new life for herself. She begins once again by looking for work in a legal office, where she stands out of the young and upscale lawyer, Jack Merrick Jr. (played by Henry Fonda). Merrick becomes fixated with Mary, and in spite of the differences in their social status and her complicated past, they start a discreet romance.
Romantic Entanglements and Societal PressureNevertheless, their relationship deals with considerable challenges. Jack's daddy, a rich and prominent male, opposes their union, fearing the scandal that might occur from his kid's involvement with a female of Mary's background. In an era when social status and conformity to traditional standards were paramount, Mary's previous threatens to eclipse her present and future joy.
In spite of this, Jack remains figured out to wed Mary. When he finally defies his daddy's desires and proposes, Mary accepts, and they elope, expecting a life developed on love and understanding. Unfortunately, their joy is temporary as an unexpected mishap leads to Jack's death, leaving Mary when again a widow.
Durability and Maternal SacrificeComplicating matters even more, Mary discovers she is pregnant with Jack's child. She chooses to raise the child alone, aware that the Merrick family might not acknowledge the kid's presence due to the scandal it would entail. As Mary attempts to restore her life again, she faces both monetary challenge and the ridicule of society.
Mary's life takes another turn when Lloyd Rogers (played by Ian Hunter), Mary's supportive boss and longtime friend, admits his love for her. He proposes marriage, using her not only friendship however also a safe and respectable life for her and her child. Torn in between her own desires and what's finest for her child, Mary deals with a hard option.
Abrupt Twists and Emotional ClimaxMary's decision-making process is interrupted by the intrusion of Jack's parents, who, after knowing of their grandchild's presence, sue for custody of the kid. They argue that Mary's track record and financial instability make her an unfit mother. The court fight is mentally taxing for Mary, as she combats to keep her boy versus the effective Merrick household.
In a heart-wrenching twist, Mary selflessly chooses to let the Merricks take her child, believing it would offer him with a better future. She relinquishes her kid however continues to have problem with the loss, showing her profound love as a mother ready to sacrifice her own joy for her kid's wellness.
Conclusion and Mary's FortitudeThe movie concludes with a display of Mary's perseverance and the support of those who truly care for her. The psychological journey she withstands reflects the social challenges of her time, and her strength resonates as a universal theme of motherly love and determination.
"That Certain Woman" eventually showcases Bette Davis's impressive talent, as she depicts a character that encapsulates the complexities and feelings of a woman faced with adversity. The movie stands as a pertinent reflection on the social dynamics of the 1930s and stays a poignant piece of cinematic art.
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