Film OverviewThe 1931 film "Waterloo Bridge" is an American pre-Code drama movie based on the 1930 play "Waterloo Bridge" by Robert E. Sherwood. The film was directed by James Whale and stars Mae Clarke and Douglass Montgomery.
PlotThe motion picture informs the story of a young American lady named Myra Deauville (played by Mae Clarke) living in London during World War I. Myra works as a chorus woman however falls into prostitution, out of anguish and destitution, when she loses her job in a cabaret. Every night, she walks the dismal Waterloo Bridge, looking for clients, haunted by the bombing and gunfire sounds in the background, which symbolize the disastrous truths of war.
Main CharactersMyra's world turns upside down when she meets a naìˆve young Canadian soldier, Roy Cronin (played by Douglass Montgomery), on the edge of being delivered to the Front. Roy, oblivious to what she does for a living, falls in love with her instantly, and Myra, regardless of her situations, reciprocates his feelings.
Significant ComplicationsThe drama deepens as Myra fears exposing her occupation to Roy. He has actually provided her the opportunity to escape her life of sin, but she dreads whatever will fall apart if he discovers the fact. She even experiences a former dance mate, Kitty (played by Bette Davis), who innocently threatens to reveal Myra's existing income to Roy.
ConclusionThe climax is on the eve of Roy's departure for the Front. Fearing that Roy will find out of her past, Myra abruptly leaves him without an explanation. When Roy is reported dead in fight, Myra is beyond troubled and returns to her old life. However, a twist in the end causes an emotional reunion as Roy returns, quite alive, seeking her love once again. Roy, enlightened to Myra's dilemma, supports her side, and they share a tender last dance, leaving their future open-ended.
The Socio-cultural Impact"Waterloo Bridge" uses a poignant depiction of the harsh truths dealt with by some women throughout World War I. Through Myra's story, it reveals the societal effects of war, breaking the barriers of conventional movie narratives of that period. The truth that the movie represents a female forced into prostitution out of her scenarios yet maintains her virtuous heart was a strong narrative move for a 1931 movie and presents unfiltered truths of the time.
In its essence, "Waterloo Bridge" is a tragic romance set against the background of the terrors of war. It checks out the desperation and options made in alarming scenarios and checks the strength of love versus societal prejudice. The movie's ending, ambiguous against the conventions of a standard "pleased ending", leaves audiences with a long lasting effect.
AppraisalThe movie's performances, headed by Mae Clarke's wholehearted portrayal of Myra and Douglass Montgomery's innocent Roy, are commendably haunting. The "Waterloo Bridge" also marks one of Bette Davis' early functions in her illustrious career. In regards to technical assiduity, the film makes stark usage of shadows and rain-swept sights to boost its melancholic story. This traditional manages to hold an indomitable position for being earnestly raw and far-ahead of its contemporaries handling societal issues.
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