MADAME X
US, 1937, 72 minutes, Black and white.
Gladys George, John Beal, Warren William, Reginald Owen, Lynne Carver, Henry Daniell, Emma Dunn, Ruth Hussey, George Zucco.
Directed by Sam Wood.
Madame X is the first sound version of the famous play by Alexander Bisson. There had been two silent versions. The film was remade lavishly with American settings in the '60s with Lana Turner, a most enjoyable emotional movie. It was remade for television in the '80s with Tuesday Weld as Madame X and instead of her having a son to defend her, in keeping with the times, she had a daughter.
The film is highly melodramatic, relies on coincidences, is the classic of the fall from grace - and the vindication in the courtroom. While the plot might be creaky, it nevertheless appeals to archetypal feelings in the audience and is quite a powerful tearjerker.
This version is competently made, an MGM feature but with B budget. Gladys George was usually associated with Warner Bros thrillers as a tough girl. Warren William is the hard-hearted husband. Reginald Owen is his friend. Henry Daniell oozes sinister guilt as the man who wants to betray Madame X. Direction is by Sam Wood, who was to go on to make such films as Goodbye Mr Chips, Pride of the Yankees, for Whom the Bell Tolls.
1.The popularity of the play and the story? So many film versions? The reason for its appeal? Archetypal plot, characters, coincidences, vindication?
2.MGM budget, black and white photography? Sets? France? Musical score?
3.The title, the focus and the tone?
4.The portrait of Jacqueline: Gladys George's style, the affair and the shooting, her return to her husband, asking his forgiveness? Her concern about her sick son? Her being banished, her return to see her son, her husband's relentlessness? Her going away, getting work, the police following, the news of the murder? Her being governess? Her going on the boat, the affair with the captain? Leaving him? Wandering the world, in South America, selling her ring, her clothes, going to be a hostess in the bar, taken on board the boat? The collage of the passing of the years? Her meeting the villain, his work with the cards, her collaboration with him? Her indiscretion in telling the truth? Trying to cover up? Her return to France, her drinking and her collapse, the degradation? The threat to reveal the truth to her husband and son? Her killing of the man? The arrest, admitting the truth? The collapse, silence in court, refusing to have any help? Seeing her husband, the discovery about her son, her impassioned plea to keep a secret, the affection for her son and kissing him, her death?
5.The portrait of the husband, business, neglect of his wife, the affair, not forgiving her? The advice of his friend? The search? Giving up? Bringing up his son, his son's engagement? The first case? Going to the court, recognising his wife, keeping the secret?
6.Maurice, his love for Jacqueline, his warning to his friend, helping him in the search, the court case?
7.The son, as a boy, his illness, growing up? The law, engagement? His initial case, advice from his father, concern for Madame X, his impassioned plea, the affection for Madame X? The secret?
8.The maid and her concern? The fiance?
9.The men in Madame X's life?
