
Clare Boothe: THE WOMEN (1939)

This is a classic, over the top, spoof of society dames (an earlier incarnation of "the ladies who lunch") portrayed brilliantly by some of Hollywood's finest screen actresses of the era. In the first minutes of viewing, it may seem a bit dated, but there is a universal quality that embraces the battle of the sexes theme that more than makes up for any generation gap factor. True, the heroine of the piece (Norma Shearer) came from the silent film era, so her gestures may seem a bit overdrawn, but she is a totally sympathetic character surrounded by a real menagerie of feline "friends" and "enemies" who do their level best to muck up her life. Happily, she comes out on top, as her grand, almost balletic swoop back into the waiting arms of her invisible, estranged husband demonstrates in the happy ending. The fashions have changed over time (the gymnasium scenes are hilarious, as is the Technicolor fashion show in the middle of the film..."does anyone...still wear...a hat?", and how about those voluminous beach costumes?), but the motivations and emotions rage on to this day.
Review ID: 10000000006695588

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