Jezebel

US (1938): Drama

The role perhaps most closely associated with Bette Davis is an utter triumph -- considered to be Warner Bros.' compensation to Davis when she failed to land the similar, much-sought-after part of Scarlett O'Hara in Gone With the Wind (1939). As coquettish belle Julie Marsden in the Civil War South, Davis taunts and teases the men who desire her (Henry Fonda and George Brent) until her options vanish and she's faced with life alone. She realizes her shallowness and the depth of her potential loss when Fonda becomes ill. Director William Wyler and Davis were famous combatants, but he was able to elicit her best work (here and in The Little Foxes, 1941). He was noted for endless takes and for mise-en-scene, allowing scenes to develop in one shot rather than by intercutting close-ups and reaction shots. This required discipline and concentration from actors. The results, as in this, were worth the effort. The fine supporting cast includes Fay Bainter, Margaret Lindsay, Donald Crisp, Richard Cromwell, Henry O'Neill, John Litel and Spring Byington. (amctv.com)

 Use this link to view a clip from Jezebel on TCM.com.

5 nominations, 2 Awards