Review of Jezebel (1938) by Ashley H — 10 Jan 2007

Bette Davis stars as Julie Marsden, temperamental Southern Belle who gets her kicks by defying the social conventions of the late 19th Century. Her shenanigans eventually drive her fiancé (Henry Fonda) away, but Julie is far from being defeated.

She plans to lure her boyfriend back, but she ends up overplaying her hand. This is wonderful Hollywood vehicle, and director William Wyler gets brownie points for allowing story to explore the political atmosphere of America right before its Civil War.

This is also the film that made Davis into a super-star, and one can see why. This is one of her best performances. Davis' Julie has been compared to Vivien Leigh's Scarlett O'Hara, but I think Davis is working with much more complex character.

Julie is not only spoiled rich girl, but she is also a woman trying to free herself from the constrictions imposed upon her, by a male-oriented Southern society. Julie is manipulative woman, but when her machinations get the best of her, we see her pain and anguish.

Davis manages to gain sympathy because she allows us to see that her character has a real heart. Davis' subtle touches brilliantly capture her character's complex nature. Fonda is good in his own reserve way, and I think the usually bland George Brent is excellent as one of Davis' suitors.

Fay Bainter is terrific as Davis' Aunt, mentor and conscience. The sets are magnificent, script is intelligent, Ernest Haller's cinematography is beautiul and Max Steiner's score is one his best.

A wonderful movie.