CASS TIMBERLANE
US, 1947, 119 minutes, black and white.Black and white.
Spencer Tracy, Turner, Zachary Scott, Tom Drake, Mary Astor, Albert Dekker, Margaret Lindsay, John Litel, Mona Barrie, Josephine Hutchinson, Selena Royle.
Directed by George Sidney.
Cass Timberlane is based on a novel by Sinclair Lewis, author of other novels like Main Street. While the film was written earlier, it has been adapted to draw a picture of American society in middle America immediately after World War II.
Spencer Tracy is very much at home in the role of the judge, Cass Timberlane, presiding over cases, enjoying his job, yet often bored. He belongs to the Country Club with affluent and arrogant members, especially the gossiping women led by Mary Astor. The men have been involved in business during the war, some of their deals particularly shady, their expecting Cass to shield them.
When Cass comes across a young woman, Virginia, played with charm by Lana Turner, he is comfortable with her and eventually marries her. She has to adapt to the Country Club behaviour and suffer the expectations of the women. When their child dies in childbirth, she finds the situation very hard, wants to move out.
This is complicated by the presence of Cass’s friend and suave lawyer, Zachary Scott.
The situation comes to a head, the possibility of a divorce – even though there is an initial speech by Cass in the courtroom against divorce. There is a rather melodramatic solution to the problems, but the film is an enjoyable picture and critique of American society at the time, directed by George Sidney who was to go on to make many musicals at MGM.
1. The novels of Sinclair Lewis? His place in American literature? Perspectives on American towns?
2. MGM production, the 1940s, black and white photography, locations, the cast?
3. Minnesota, the town, the court, mansions, the poorer quarters, the Country Club, New York glittering life? The musical score?
4. The title, the character of Cass Timberlane, Spencer Tracy in the role? Age, deceased wife, judge, his house, servant, the hearings, procedures, his boredom, Bradd and his role as a lawyer? His speech about divorce, sacredness of marriage, refusing the divorce? The wealthy set, the dinners, the Country Club? The sketch, meeting Ginny, discussions, his going for the walk, the baseball umpiring, the spaghetti meal, his taking time out? His relationship with Chris, expectations, especially from the women at the Club? Comfortable with Ginny, the proposal, marriage? The happy life, the requirements of Ginny to go to the club, buying the dress? Her pregnancy, the death of the child, grief? At home, playing chess? His reaction to Ginny with Bradd? Her response, saying she was stifled, wanting to leave, not at home with the wealthy set? Cass and his decision to go to New York, hopes, Ginny going shopping and to society with Brad? The possible job, Cass looking at his conscience, turning it down, returning home? His friends and their expecting him to delay the case, his refusal? The discussions with Jamie, the truth? Hearing of the accident, hurrying to Ginny? Her return home?
5. Ginny, Lana Turner and her presence, her life, boarding, her work, witnessing in the case, the sketch, the encounter with the judge and with Bradd? The baseball, the spaghetti meal, sharing so much with Cass, the easy talk, the outings, marriage? The new dress, going to the Club, her reaction, People’s reaction, polite but looking down on her? The pregnancy, its effect, her grief at the death of the child? At home, the chess game, with Bradd, feeling stifled, the criticisms of the women? Bradd going to New York, Cass and his decision, their flying to the city, her enjoying the shopping, society, Bradd’s contacts? Realising that he was working for the company at home? Getting out of the car, the accident, Cass coming to see her, her surviving? The importance of her conversation with Lillian and discovering Lilian’s unhappy 25 years of marriage?
6. Bradd, suave, as a lawyer, in society, flirtatious? Friendship with Cass? The company and their hold over him? With Ginny? Going to New York, meeting her there, shopping, society, the restaurant, the company’s hold over him, her getting out of the car?
7. The town society, the Country Club, the snobbery of the women, the gossip, their expectations, Lilian and her unhappy marriage, humiliated? Talking with Ginny?
8. The men, the walk, the deals, the company, aftermath, the law, postponing their trial in the courts, thinking Cass was on their side, disillusionment? The doctor and his humiliating his wife?
9. Jamie, the war, hero, drinking, wanting a divorce, lectured by the judge, upset, telling the truth?
10. Chris, possibility as a wife for Cass, his liking her, belong to the club, more genteel?
11. The picture of the United States immediately after World War II, the picture of affluent society?
