Mr. Skeffington
- Bette Davis: Fanny Trellis
- Claude Rains: Job Skeffington
- Walter Abel: George trellis
- Marjorie Riordan: daughter Fanny
- Richard Waring: Trippy Trellis
- George Coulouris: Doctor Byles
- Robert Shayne McMahon
- John Alexander: Jim Conderley
The life of Mrs. Skeffington is an American film drama from director Vincent Sherman from 1944, the film adaptation based on the novel The seven levels of the Lady Frances. (Original Title: Mr. Skeffington ) by Elizabeth von Arnim. The U.S. premiere was on May 25, 1944.
Action
Fanny Trellis is a spoiled young woman who lives in the early years of the 20th century. For her brother Trippy the woman who has many admirers would do anything. Mr. Skeffington is a stockbroker and CEO of Trippy. When Fanny learns that Trippy company money embezzled, she decides to marry Mr. Skeffington, in order to protect her brother.
Mr. Skeffington loves his wife, even though he knows that love is not reciprocated. Fanny likes playing the role of the fine society lady who has many lovers. Left alone, Bandelt her husband with his secretary, after Fanny for divorce. Her daughter - she is also called Fanny - asks the Father to take them to Europe. Mother Fanny is now free and enjoy life, what is it facilitated by the wealth of her ex - husband. Her daughter looks for years not again.
Time passes, Fanny gets older. You become sick during a sailing trip with her lover Johnnie diphtheria. The disease affects their attractiveness more than age. When Fanny invites her old friends and lovers to a party, they are shocked by the poor appearance of Fanny. Fanny is shocked, also is in love with her Johnnie returned from Europe daughter, who fled from the Nazis. The two marry and leave Fanny alone.
Meanwhile Skeffington in Europe is trying to gain a foothold. But as a Jew, he is taken to a concentration camp where he goes blind. He survived the war and the concentration camp and returns to the States to visit Fanny. Luckily for Fanny he can not see what she looks like now. Fanny feel sorry for her ex-husband. Your friend and cousin George tells her about a quote Skeffingtons: " No woman is beautiful until she is loved. " Fanny recognizes the truth of these words and blooming again.
Reviews
- The filmdienst described the film as a " large-scale melodrama full of cleverly staged melodramatic effects; remarkably well by the maskenbildnerisch convincing aging and decay process of the excellent playing Bette Davis. "
- The Internet portal moviesection.de: "The story is captivating and enthralling. Here is a heavily - drawn woman is shown with which one can have no sympathy for much of the film. The various facets of Mrs. Skeffington are great worked out. Ever able to convince all the characters here. A must for all fans of the black / white cinema and for those who want to be convinced of Bette Davis again. "
Background
- The writers Julius and Philip Epstein were twin brothers. Together they won an Oscar in 1942 for Casablanca
- Other employees with Oscar - merits: Composer Waxman won two statues (1950 and 1951 ) and was nominated 10 other times; Cinematographer Haller won an Oscar in 1939 and was nominated six more times; Cutter Ralph Dawson was awarded the Academy Award three times (1935, 1936 and 1938); for the costumes of the triple Oscar-winning Orry- Kelly was responsible. Even the orchestra conductor Leo F. Forbstein could produce an Oscar, which he won in 1938.
- After nearly nine years break, this was the second role for Richard Waring.
Awards
Academy Awards 1945 - Nominations:
- Best Actress - Bette Davis
- Best Supporting Actor - Claude Rains