The Great Lie (1941)

The Great Lie Poster

After a newlywed's husband apparently dies in a plane crash, she discovers that her rival for his affections is pregnant with his child.

General Overview
"The Great Lie" is a 1941 romantic drama movie produced and directed by Edmund Goulding. The movie includes legendary stars Bette Davis, George Brent and Mary Astor. The plot focuses on advanced styles, such as love, friendship, betrayal, and altruism. The screenplay is an adjustment of Polan Banks's unique, written by Lenore J. Coffee and Reginald Berkeley.

Plot Introduction
The motion picture begins with Maggie Patterson (Bette Davis) running into her ex-husband, pilot Peter Van Allen (George Brent) whom she still likes. Remarkably, he has actually simply wed a well-known show pianist Sandra Kovak (Mary Astor). However when Sandra's marital relationship to Pete is declared invalid due to her divorce documents not being settled, she discovers herself pregnant. She selects her career and lifestyle over bearing a child and consequently leaves to go on a concert tour.

Key Plot Details
While Sandra is away, Pete's plane crashes, and the world presumes he is dead. On discovering her ex-husband's presumed death, the heartbroken Sandra returns, still pregnant, consenting to Pete's widow Maggie's startling proposition - to have the infant secretly and let Maggie embrace it as Pete's posthumous kid. In return, Maggie promises Sandra a large amount of money.

Climax and Conclusion
In an unexpected twist, it ends up Pete is alive. He returns home to discover Maggie pregnant. Not understanding the fact, he believes the child is his. Upon giving birth, Sandra remorsefully hands the child over to Maggie, preparing for the guaranteed payment. Nevertheless, missing her child and sustained by jealousy of Pete's love for Maggie, Sandra later on tries to withdraw their agreement and recover her daughter, leading to a bitter legal fight. Yet, the judge rules in Maggie's favor due to Sandra's unfitness as a mom, bringing the extreme drama to a close.

Cast and Awards
Davis and Brent deliver fascinating efficiencies, making their complex relationship credible and engaging. However it's Astor who took the show with her portrayal of the self-indulgent, career-oriented Sandra. Her efficiency was so exemplary that it won her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, marking the film in cinema history.

Public and Critical Reception
Reception to "The Great Lie" was mainly favorable upon its release. The remarkable efficiencies and special plot garnered extensive important recognition. The film was a box office success, more showing its widespread popularity. Critics have actually praised the film's movie script, performances, and its representation of women's struggles and decisions related to pregnancy and motherhood.

In conclusion, "The Great Lie" is a beautifully crafted film that enthralls viewers with its innovative plot and outstanding efficiencies. It offers a fascinating expedition of love, sacrifice, deception, and the lengths individuals can go to secure what they think is truly theirs. Through its non-traditional story and sophisticated character advancement, the film has enduringly placed itself as a traditional in the world of romantic drama.

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