After Norma Shearer (as Mary) discovers her husband is having an affair with Joan Crawford (as Crystal), she learns women must not be proud. Rosalind Russell (as Sylvia) leads an MGM parade of supporting players - all women; in fact, only women appear in the film! But, don't expect a "feminist" statement from George Cukor's "The Women". The message may waver, but it never really gets too far away from putting women in their place. If the film is about anything other than being faithful and subservient to your man, it's about gossip. It could have been titled "Gossip".
What's appealing about "The Women" is enjoying some of its fine, albeit dated, dialog and situations. There are scores of actresses to watch; Ms. Shearer and Ms. Russell come off best, but appreciators of any will like their favorites. Ms. Crawford likes to smoke in her bathtub. The film's fun is severely weakened by an extremely distracting interlude - the "Fashion Show" - which is presented in COLOR. "Gimmicks" like the color segment and the all female cast ruin "The Women"; and, the acceptance of a "double standard" for men and women is presented as part of a great woman's character.
****** The Women (9/1/39) George Cukor ~ Norma Shearer, Joan Crawford, Rosalind Russell
What's appealing about "The Women" is enjoying some of its fine, albeit dated, dialog and situations. There are scores of actresses to watch; Ms. Shearer and Ms. Russell come off best, but appreciators of any will like their favorites. Ms. Crawford likes to smoke in her bathtub. The film's fun is severely weakened by an extremely distracting interlude - the "Fashion Show" - which is presented in COLOR. "Gimmicks" like the color segment and the all female cast ruin "The Women"; and, the acceptance of a "double standard" for men and women is presented as part of a great woman's character.
****** The Women (9/1/39) George Cukor ~ Norma Shearer, Joan Crawford, Rosalind Russell