Review of In This Our Life

I loved this film, and it had me howling in several parts, such as the classically predictable ending. Such a great morality tale. I especially liked the portrayal of the developing and mature relationship between Olivia de Havilland and George Brent. This is the best Brent role in a Davis movie. I appreciate Davis not playing a more subtle character, such as in Mr. Skeffington, because the Stanley character is so boorish that she can't consider anything but her own whims and pleasures. She is not evil in the sense of making reasoned choices, but as a child, has no capacity for self denial. Delusionally, she actually thinks that Brent can be lured back under her spell after what she has done to him, and that a wealthy white woman's claim will alway be considered above a young black man's. Her world starts to crumble after she reels off the list of those who accepted her story over Parry's, when her sister, de Havilland says "I believe him." This is an emblematic tale of deliverance and hopeful new beginning. Bravo to all involved.