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By
NICK ZEGARAC
Irving Rapper's "Now
Voyager" (1942) is perhaps Bette Davis' greatest
film at Warner Brothers. For it presents the
actress with every opportunity to run the gamut of
emotions and mannerisms that, by this point in
Davis' career, had become standardized elements of
her thespian repertoire. Davis is Charlotte Vale,
a spinster aunt from one of Boston's oldest and
most prestigious families, who has been confined
to a life of seclusion by a demonstrative
matriarch (Gladys Cooper). By the time concerned
relative, Lisa (Ilka Chase) intervenes with the
congenial Dr. Jaquith (Claude Rains), Charlotte is
primed for a nervous breakdown. On Jaquith's
orders, Charlotte begins her psychological
metamorphosis at a plush sanitarium in the
country. However, when the newly renovated
Charlotte is sent on a cruise as part of her
therapy, she meets debonair man about town, Jerry
Durrance (Paul Henreid) under an assumed name, and
quite easily falls in love with him. One problem
-- Jerry is married. However, as the two draw
closer they realize that fate has united them in
personal tragedy and misery. Both are forever
bonded in their love of Jerry's daughter, Justine
(Hilda Plowright), in whom Charlotte sees shades
of her former self. The film is justly remembered
for its melodic score by Max Steiner, and for the
romantic pas deux in which Jerry lights two
cigarettes at once and offers one to Charlotte in
a moment of distress.
Paul Henreid was perhaps most aptly put to good
use in this film as a romantic lead. The chemistry
between him and Davis is palpable and engaging.
Never afraid to take artistic chances, Davis
launches into her performance as the uni-browed
spinster with gusto. Her transformation is as
elevating of the human spirit as it is startling,
the first time we see her -- sans frumpy clothes
and Amish hairdo. Truly, this is one film I always
have trouble getting through without tears in my
eyes. "Now Voyager" is melodrama of the highest
order -- a brilliant bit of film making that will
leave you with a lump in your throat and warmth of
heart. It is a master craftsmanship vehicle for
one of the world's greatest stars, Bette Davis, at
the height of her acting career.
The DVD transfer from Warner Brothers is quite
simply, outstanding. Though there are several
scenes in which fine details (most noticeably on
Davis's flowery dress) shimmer, the overall
quality of the picture is exemplary and will
surely please. The grayscale has been impeccably
rendered with deep, solid blacks, very clean
whites and a remarkable amount of fine details
realized throughout. For a film past its 60-year
vintage, there is nothing more than one could ask
of, or expect from this transfer. The audio is
mono. Though the main title score seems somewhat
overly muffled by noise reduction equipment used
in the remastering efforts, the rest of the film
has its dialogue and music presented at a very
pleasing listening level. Extras include an
isolated score and theatrical trailer. |
