Review of Dodsworth (1936) by Jean H — 01 Feb 2011

Rarely do we see a film these days from Hollywood about middle aged characters actually played by middle aged actors with realistic storylines dealing with problems of this particular group and their disintegrating relationships. A film devoid of any teenage characters whose sole purpose at times is to draw them into a film only to ensure some financial success from the box office receipts of this demographic group.

"Dodsworth" from director William Wyler (Jezebel, Wuthering Heights, Ben-Hur) is one of those films about grownups for grownups. It knows what it wants to be and goes for it. It is a film that still resonates with today's mature audiences because, among other things, of its honesty and reality based themes.

Based on a Sinclair Lewis novel, which was also adapted into a stage play, the film is about Sam Dodsworth (Walter Huston), a successful businessman who had just sold his automobile company at the urging of his wife Fran (Ruth Chatterton). Both go on an extended holiday in Europe. While Sam finds Europe to be boring, Fran sees it as a land of sophisticates quite different from the American mid-westerners she has been around with most of her life. Being a few years younger than Sam, she aspires to enjoy Europe for a while and be a part of its high society. As she attracts other men during this trip, it puts a strain and a serious challenge to their relationship and marriage as Sam seeks solace with another sympathetic woman (Mary Astor).

"Dodsworth" received seven Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Huston), Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Maria Oupenskaya), Best Screenplay (Sidney Howard) and Best Sound. Its sole Oscar win went to Richard Day for Best Interior Decoration.

Walter Huston is very impressive as he exudes a commanding presence. He portrays Sam Dodsworth as an unwavering and gentle businessman, husband and family man with a quiet dignity. The New York Film Critics Circle Award named Huston "Best Actor" that year. At the same time, Ruth Chatterton brings depth to her character despite one that is primarily written as a selfish and vain person. Through her portrayal, she conveys her character's frustrations and not just the anger and hatred towards her motivations.

"Dodsworth" remains smart, sophisticated and absorbing today as it was 60 years ago. It's stature as one of the greatest films of the 1930's holds up due to its unsentimental approach, impeccable performances and intelligent writing.