Review of Now, Voyager (1942) by Scott S — 21 Feb 2009

I'm not a fan of soap operas or Bette Davis, but this movie still managed to work a little charm over me. The first act is an over-the-top replay of Cinderella, with Bette Davis playing the unwanted daughter of a wickedly delicious Gladys Cooper.

Once Claude Rains helps Bette come out of her shell (and out of those Frida Kahlo eyebrows), the movie becomes more interesting and unusual. I like that Davis's character is more interested in helping Paul Henreid's depressed daughter than in consummating her relationship with him.

This is a juicy role for Davis, one where she's outwardly struggling to get out from under the thumb of her oppressive mother and rehabilitate herself, while also wresting with dual inward motivations -- falling in love vs helping others like her.

The famous last line, "Don't let's ask for the moon. We have the stars," is a bit anachronistic for such a melodramatic movie, but that kinda sums up my feelings about "Now, Voyager", a flick that soars high while keeping somewhat grounded.