Genre: Romance, Drama, Marriage, Infidelity
Plot: As DODSWORTH begins, the viewer's sympathies are with Fran Dodsworth rather than her slightly stodgy husband. However, this gradually changes. Fran’s main concern is holding on to her youth, while Sam tolerates her foibles because he really loves and trusts her. When he tires of Europe, Sam returns to Indiana. Disappointed that Fran is not with him, he believes she will soon follow. However, in a scene beautifully staged by director William Wyler, Sam ends up being wrong. Fran is with the suave Arnold Iselin (Paul Lukas) on the terrace of a villa. He makes her read a letter from Sam. Iselin’s response is to set fire to the letter. As it burns, it is caught by a gust of wind. Followed by Wyler’s camera, it swirls in the air before turning to ashes on the ground, along with Sam’s hopes.DODSWORTH is a beautifully achieved work. Chatterton gives a fine performance; Mary Astor is splendid--with a wonderful moment of joy when she unexpectedly sees Sam again; and Walter Huston, reprising his stage role, is natural, subtle, and moving.
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| Directed by |
William Wyler
Ben-Hur, Roman Holiday, The Best Years of Our Lives |
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| Cast |
David Niven
The Pink Panther, The Guns of Navarone, Casino Royale |
 | Walter Huston
The Maltese Falcon, The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, Yankee Doodle Dandy | | Paul Lukas
20000 Leagues Under the Sea, Little Women, 55 Days at Peking | Mary Astor
The Maltese Falcon, Meet Me in St. Louis, Hush... Hush, Sweet Charlotte | | Gregory Gaye
Ninotchka, Meteor, The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer | |
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