A WOMAN'S PASSIONS Emotionally UNDRESSED

Starring: Walter Huston, Ruth Chatterton, Paul Lukas, Mary Astor, David Niven, Gregory Gaye, Maria Ouspenskaya, Odette Myrtil, Spring Byington, Harlan Briggs, John Payne, Katherine Marlowe

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"I want to sit under a Linden tree with nothing more important to worry about but the temperature of the beer. If there is anything more important." - Sam Dodsworth

Why watch this? For its time, this film explored some very real topics.

Plot Summary: After retiring, wealthy American industrialist Samuel Dodsworth embarks on an extended European vacation with his wife, Fran, who is desperate to recapture her lost youth. As they travel, their differing desires and life goals cause them to grow apart, leading Fran to seek a more exciting, aristocratic lifestyle and flirt with other men. Meanwhile, a lonely Sam meets an independent American expatriate in Italy who offers him a chance at a new, more fulfilling life.

Dad's Preview: Since discovering Walter Huston in The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948), I have learned that I really enjoy what he brings to a film. There's a frank honesty to him that reminds me of my grandfather. This film, based on the Sinclair Lewis novel, follows the lives of a business tycoon and his younger wife as they drift apart during a trip to Europe (after his retirement). Immediately, we see them moving in different directions. This results in a lot of arguing, frustration and pain. Sam, played by Huston, does all he can to make their 2-year marriage work, but Fran is determined to live a fancy, uppity life, acting much younger than her age. I must say Ruth Chatteron was great as the selfish, demanding, manipulative wife. The film was nominated for seven Oscars, but took home only one - for Best Art Direction.

Samuel Goldwyn Productions; United Artists