GABY
US, 1956, 97 minutes, Colour.
Leslie Caron, John Kerr, Taina Elg, Cedric Hardwicke.
Directed by Curtis Bernhardt.
Gaby is a remake of the famous Robert Taylor - Vivien Leigh film, Waterloo Bridge. The setting is World War II instead of World War I, and, even though there is a melodramatic flavour, this film tries to be more realistic than the former version.
It is basically a love story but set in the problem atmosphere of war and impending tragedy and death. Moral issues are raised which are nonetheless real enough, despite the unusual situations. The film is not outstanding, nor are the performances, but it is of human interest and enjoyment for a feminine audience. Useful for discussion with groups of girls (unless they are particularly hard-boiled!).
1. How does the war situation change people? How real are some of the things that happen - e.g., meetings, love and marriage within 48 hours?
2. Greg - what kind of man was he? Gum-chewing, loud, doing what he thought people expected of him? Friendly, yearning, wanting love?
3. Gaby - what kind of woman was she shown to be at the start? Serious, her grief over her family, thinking of her career, cold but mellowing? Note her respectability, the strictness of her upbringing, her religious background and example to others.
4. What impression did Gaby's reaction to her strict upbringing make on you? Her wanting to stop being so good and accept the marriage, yet her refusal to consummate their love (Greg's respect for her, although ready to consummate).
5. Their marriage was held up by realities, regulations and red tape, was this fair? were England and the army fair? Note Elsa's reactions and questions. Everybody was for delaying, 'cooling off'.
6. What was Gaby's reaction to the news that Greg was missing? She was grieved and regretted that she did not consummate their love and so make him happy even if it was only a passing happiness. How did Gaby's attitudes and moral standards change? (cfr. her burning the candle in the Church).
7. Gaby's sadness while everybody rejoiced at the liberation of Paris. Her sympathy for the wounded soldier. Her sluttish behaviour; her shame; yet she was compelled. Elsa was shocked. Was this kind of behaviour believable in Gaby? What were your reactions? Why?
8. The shock of Greg's survival. What impact did it have on Gaby; how did it show up her change of attitudes, moral outlook and behaviour?
9. Was Mrs Carrington right that sometimes it is better to keep one's conscience and truth to oneself in order not to make others unhappy; and try to 'be better'? Or did Greg have a right to know and Gaby was right to tell him? What was Greg's reaction? Why?
10. Was the ending melodramatic? Would it have been melodramatic had Gaby committed suicide or been killed? Was their attempt to live a happy life at the end realistic? Did they have a basis for future happiness?
