THE PRESIDENT'S LADY

US, 1953, 96 minutes, Black and white.
Charlton Heston, Susan Hayward, John Mc Intire, Fay Bainter, Carl Betz.
Directed by Henry Levin.

The President's Lady is Rachel Jackson, wife of President Andrew Jackson, the hero of the battles against the British in new Orleans. The film is based on an historical novel by Irving Stone.

Susan Hayward is attractive as the loving but melancholic Rachel. Charlton Heston, in an early role, seems assured as Jackson - lawyer, General, President. He was to reprise this role briefly as a guest star in Anthony Quinn's Cecil B. de Mille epic, The Buccaneer. There is a good supporting cast led by Fay Bainter and John Mc Intire.

The film re-creates the atmosphere of the late 18th century-early 19th century, moral attitudes in American society, the lawyer gambler with his passionate love for his wife - becoming General, national hero, President. Direction is by Henry Levin, director of thrillers and comedies in the '40s and '50s and some epics including Genghis K1han in the '60s.

1. Entertaining piece of Americana? American history? Personalities?

2. Black and white photography, the re-creation of the period - the countryside, the farms, races, the cities, battles, Washington? Musical score? Particular devices for drama: Rachel's voice-over commentary, the contrast between the visuals and the letter-writing of both Rachel and Andrew?

3. The title and the focus on Rachel Jackson? As a woman? persecuted? As being raised to the height by her husband?

4. Rachel as a young woman, at home, with her family, attractive, dancing with Andrew Jackson, the arrival of her husband, his demands on her, her discovery of his relationship with the slave women? Her decision to leave, her dependence on Andrew Jackson? Her husband's pleas and her disdain? His decision to get a divorce - and his failure? The blackening of her name? The journey down river with Andrew, society, falling in love, the divorce, marriage? The blow of the nullity of marriage? Her wanting to remarry? Society's criticisms? Ignoring her? her not being able to socialise? The loyalty of her maids and their friendship? Her support of her husband? His career, the gambling, the winning of-the race - and of the coach and her giving it back? The establishment of the home, the farm? The adopted baby and its death? Jackson in the Senate and the absences from home, his campaigns, the return to the Senate, the passing of the years? The election campaign, the placards against her, the breaking of her health, Andrew's election, her death? The portrait and his being sustained by her memory?

5. Charlton Heston as Andrew Jackson:, the lawyer, rough and tumble type, attracted to Rachel, helping her, the stance against her husband, the trip down river, fighting the Indians, the dangers, the marriage, his not wanting to compromise, remarrying to please Rachel? His temper against people who criticised her? The duel and his injury, killing a man? The gambling and the horse? His winning? Legal work, politics, the Senate, the campaigns and his skill as a General? Life in Washington? Presidential candidature, the campaigns, his anger for Rachel's sake, his victory, the final stance and achievement?

6. Rachel's mother and her support, love? Her family and their support? Her brother and his death on the way to her wedding? Her clash with her husband, his womanising, victimising her?

7. John and his partnership with Andrew Jackson, continued friendship, help in the campaigns?

8. The atmosphere of the times: the building up of the communities, the towns? The clashes with the Indians? The people of the towns, on the river? Snobbery and judgmental attitudes? Friendship? The change to the 19th century? The wars against Britain? Politics? Greater sophistication in the United States? The atmosphere of the Presidency?

9. A pleasing blend of romance, politics, action? People and their characters, reputation and good name? People and their hypocrisy and judgments? An entertaining piece of Americana?