Search - The Old Maid on DVD

The Classic Feud!

J. Robbins | Orlando, FL | 07/01/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The long-standing rivalry between Bette Davis and Miriam Hopkins makes this movie pop off the screen. Miriam is the beautiful cousin who has it all while Bette walks in the shadows. When Bette confesses that her illegitimate child was fathered by Miriam's old flame, Miriam seeks revenge. One of the most profitable films of 1939, this film has been well-preserved and still packs a thundering punch as one of the greatest cat fights of the silver screen."

A mother's self-sacrificing love...

Andrew Ellington | I'm kind of everywhere | 01/12/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Lush and yet beautifully quiet, `The Old Maid' is one of those films that you may never see because its stars went on to make more noted films, but that's what makes discovering this beautiful film all the more exciting. With stellar performances by the entire cast (especially a young and remarkably mature Bette Davis) and a script that will leave you in tears, `The Old Maid' is the definition of a hidden gem.

Coming out in the year of all years (1939), it is easy to see how a film like `The Old Maid' could be overlooked with sweeping Hollywood epics and starry-eyed fairytales devouring the critical bests of the year. Bette Davis herself starred in a slew of films this very year, and wound up Oscar nominated for her turn in `Dark Victory'. Despite that, it is a shame that `The Old Maid' walked away without a mere mention at the Academy Awards, for it is a beautifully told and crafted film about love, life and sacrifice.

Charlotte and Delia are cousins. On the outset of the film, the wealthy and rather spoiled Delia is getting married, only to find that her lover, Clem, has finally returned from war to make her his bride. She maintains composure and goes through with her wedding, while Charlotte confesses her love for Clem and soon finds herself pregnant with his child, only to hear of his death overseas. Instead of acknowledge her child, Charlotte lives as if Clementina is just an orphan staying in the orphanage she helps manage. When Charlotte is about to wed Delia's brother-in-law her secret is revealed and her life is thrust into turmoil. In order to care for her daughter the best way possible, Charlotte winds up moving in with Delia and soon finds that her own daughter starts gravitating towards Delia and considers her, her mother.

Thus, Charlotte becomes nothing but an old maid.

Davis is spectacular here, for she really understands the heartbreak that her character is undergoing. She emulates that sheltered love very well, wearing a mask of harshness that is lifted ever so lightly by the devastation and pain in her eyes. Miriam Hopkins is also quite good here (she reminds me a lot of Lana Turner in her roles in films like `Imitation of Life'), but Davis acts circles around her (Davis does have the meatier role). I also really adored Donald Crisp here (such a standout supporting player he was) and Jane Bryan's frustrated tantrums were effectively handled without ever straying into that `actorly' territory.

In the end I really, really must recommend this film. It is such a beautiful portrayal of parental love and sacrifice. The pre-wedding night scene, where Charlotte enters her daughter's room, is just so heart-swelling; and that final kiss carries such emotional weight. This film captures the true meaning of parenthood, even if this extreme case is one that hopefully we will never have to endure."

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE LADIES

Michael C. Smith | San Francisco, CA United States | 04/03/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"An understated Davis meets up with overcooked Hopkins resulting in a wonderful classic Warner's women's picture. Much has been written about the rivalry between Bette Davis and Miriam Hopkins over the years since they worked together in several films. And each time I see one of their films I look for some hint that they hated each other. It cannot be found! These two were professional actress who never disappointed their fans or put anything above the story.

Hopkins seems to our modern movie going eyes to often be over wrought and stagy. But often that is in fact the character and not her. She seems to be over done here but is in fact quite wonderful. By the end of the film you are aware of her power as a screen actress. Her later work in such films as "The Children's Hour" shows that she was indeed a brilliant and subtle actress.

Bette Davis here gives one of her deepest and most restrained performances and is utterly winning from first frame to the heartbreaking last shot of the film. She shows us just how wide her range is and her understanding of film acting is as she goes from a gorgeous young girl tragically in love with George Brent to a repressed hard old maid who must bare her shame with steely resolve and solitude of soul.

A wonderful film well worth seeing time and again for in the end, it's all about the ladies!

"

Bette Davis, how can you go wrong

Terra D. Beezel | WV USA | 02/02/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This was a wonderful addition to my collection. I would recommend any Bette Davis movie to anyone."