MovieChat Forums > The Women (1939) Discussion > Erg it made me so mad! *possible spoiler...

Erg it made me so mad! *possible spoilers

posted 17 years ago by djmiller-2
4 replies | jump to latest

I wanted to punch Joan Crawford's character so badly in the scene where Mrs. Haines confronts Crystal! Oh and when I found out that she had been around Mrs. Haines' daughter I was pissed too! She was such a b**** I really wanted Mrs. Haines to slap her or curse at her or something, but I know that Mrs. Haines' character is a lady and that during the time period in this movie a woman wouldn't do that. But I just really hated Crystal so much! Gosh she was so mean and appalling. I mean , I am a fan of Crawford's and she was a great actress, but I just really wanted to hit her in that scene. I felt so bad for Mrs. Haines and the way her friends talked about her just laughed about the affair and just kind of acted so blase' about it, I just wanted them to shut up! Oh, and when her mom was like, "Don't say anything to Stephen about you knowing that he is having an affair", I wanted to yell at her mom too!

[–] ritamilo 16 years ago

Then Crawford's job was well-done. She played that character to the hilt which is amazing considering Shearer's chomping up as much scenery as she could. I love the scene when Russell's character has that mini-breakdown at the divorce ranch in Reno - the "I hate you I hate you all" spot where she breaks the dishes.

The whole movie is terrific; when I watch it now I do so with the subtitles and it clears up a lot.

"...truth against the world..." - attributed to Boudicca of the Iceni

[–] Haifis 15 years ago

In the 1959 version, Crystal Allen's character is a lot worse and far nastier.

[–] RunAwayRunAway 15 years ago

Is the 1959 version also titled The Women? I ask because I didn't find anything with that date and title on IMDB.

[–] Blondfashionisto 15 years ago

It's called 'The Opposite Sex' and stars June Allyson as the Mary character (re-named 'Kay Hilliard'). This movie was a musical and featured male cast so it was quite a departure from the original version. Though I loved to hear June Allyson sing 'Young Man with a Horn'; and, loved Agnes Moorehead, I was generally disappointed overall.

I much preferred June's other movie - 'Woman's World' - It's a hilarious satirical comment on society in the 50's.

To me, 'The Women' will always stand out due to the wonderful dialogue, the interesting historical background (i.e. As a former Hairstylist, I loved seeing the treatments, equipment and set-up of the 1939 salon/spa) and, of course, it's the only motion picture I've ever seen (or heard of) that features an ALL female cast.

'There’s a name for you ladies, but it’s not used - Outside a kennel! (Crystal Allen in The Women)'