Based on a Rachel Field novel and directed by Anatole Litvak, ALL THIS, AND HEAVEN TOO stars two cinema icons...Bette Davis and Charles Boyer. A 19th century French Duc de Praslin(Boyer)and his children's governess(Davis)are scandalously accused of killing his wife, the Duchesse(Barbara O'Neil). The Duc poisons himself as the twenty-five year old governess is released from jail because of lack of evidence. Henriette Deluzy(Davis)finds herself telling her melodramatic story to her new class of charges in America. Boyer delivers a very dramatic heartfelt speech from his deathbed. O'Neil is perfect as the cold and uncaring Duchesse. Drama queen Davis has several scenes where she stares(with those Bette Davis eyes) letting that 'look' reveal her deepest emotions.
Outstanding black and white cinematography; and there is the beautiful and lush, but masterful soundtrack by Max Steiner. Other cast members: Jeffrey Lynn, Helen Westley, Harry Davenport, June Lockhart and Virginia Weidler. This is a very good movie, but not as good as my favorite Bette Davis film NOW, VOYAGER(1942).
Outstanding black and white cinematography; and there is the beautiful and lush, but masterful soundtrack by Max Steiner. Other cast members: Jeffrey Lynn, Helen Westley, Harry Davenport, June Lockhart and Virginia Weidler. This is a very good movie, but not as good as my favorite Bette Davis film NOW, VOYAGER(1942).