 [Larger view] | The Sisters
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| Demure Bette Davis In Fine Period Drama | |
| "The Sisters", is a largely unknown film today and certainly in the filmographies of legends Bette Davis and Errol Flynn it is overshadowed by these two performers other efforts that same year in the classics "Jezebel", and "The Adventures of Robin Hood". Compared to these two it's not surprising that memory of this film is faint however it does deserve to be better remembered as it is a finely crafted period drama with very capable performances by the two leads in the first of their two screen teamings. Boasting rich period settings, beautiful cinematography and a strong group of character actors ably supporting the leads, it is your typical class "A" production from the late 1930's where no expense was spared. It offers Bette Davis also a refreshing change of pace from her usual power house characters and she delivers a beautifully unplayed performance as the long suffering wife of rogueish Errol Flynn. "The Sisters", tells of the trials and tribulations that occur in th elives of three sisters over a four year period that begins and ends with a Presidential Election Ball. ... For those seeking the usual "Bette Davis", performance there will definately be a surprise in store after watching her subtle underplaying in "The Sisters". Errol Flynn despite his personal differences with Davis proves himself capable of restrained acting as well and despite appearing a little too well scrubbed in his down and out scenes, also is very believable and teams well with Davis. The supporting cast are one of this film's great strengths and full credit must go to Beulah Bondi, Henry Travers and Donald Crisp for their always expert playing of the vital main supporting characters in this story. Veteran Alan Hale, a regular in many Flynn epics excels as the unloved older husband of Anita Louise's character who tragically dies trying to keep up with his giddy younger wife. Directed with a sure hand by Anatole Litvak he manages to keep all the different threads of this story together and is excellent at keeping Bette Davis under control and free of alot of her usual acting mannerisms. The highlight of the story is of course the depiction of the 1906 earthquake. Certainly not as spectacular as MGM's 1936 "San Francisco",effort it is nevertheless quite harrowing and many scenes were actually lifted from the earlier 1927 silent classic "In Old San Francisco". The new footage of Bette Davis surviving the quake is expertly incorporated with the earlier footage and makes a fitting climax to the story. Attention to detail is top class and "The Sisters", in alot of ways has a strong "MGM" feel to it. While this film would probably never be on any film buff's top ten list it is however a beautifully wrought production from the golden era of Hollywood filmmaking. It's story is not a particulary original or startling one but for those who enjoy well acted period dramas with a gifted cast of seasoned professionals then "The Sisters", is sure to entertain. Bette Davis shows her great versatilty as an actress here and her very different type of performance here alone makes the film well worth viewing. | |
| Davis, Flynn, and A Big Earthquake | |
| Three sisters face maritals problems in this film that features one of the most subdued performances by Bette Davis you will find. Davis is the oldest sister, and the one with biggest marital problems, since she is married to a drinking, unfocused sportswriter played competently by Errol Flynn. Anita Louise is very good as the flighty middle sister, who marries a wealthy older man (Alan Hale) for security and a chance to see the world. Jane Bryan is also effective as the younger sister who marries a very stable and boring Dick Foran for love, and seems to have it all. Besides troubles with her husband, Davis also has to contend with the great San Francisco earthquake of 1906, re-enacted fairly well. Davis usually displayed more fireworks in other melodramas, but her performance matches the tone of this film. The Sisters isn't particularly exciting or surprising, but it is well made and well acted by the stars and a great supporting cast that includes Beulah Bondi, Henry Travers, Donald Crisp, and Lee Patrick. It's a classy effort. | |
| BETTE DAVIS AS THE PERFECT WIFE... | |
| This is the story of three sisters at the turn of the century and their marital woes, with the focus on the eldest sister, Louise, played by an uncharacteristically demure Bette Davis, who falls in love at first sight with Frank, a rascally sports reporter, played by the ever handsome Errol Flynn. He, too, is smitten at first sight. Louise and Frank elope and move to San Francisco. At first, all seems right with the world. Louise concentrates on making a home, while Frank works to support them and tries to write the great American novel in his spare time. Soon, their honeymoon comes to an end, as Frank returns to his dissolute ways, drinking heavily. When he loses his job and the bills pile up, Louise gets a job. This ends up putting somewhat of a kibbosh on the relationship, and Frank leaves. Right after he abandons his wife, she is caught up in the San Francisco earthquake. Rescued, she recovers from her physical injuries, but is still traumatized by Frank's abandonment. Slowly she begins to recover under the attentive ministrations of her employer who cares for her. She makes herself into a success on the job, but still longs for Frank. What happens to Louise, makes for an entertaining melodrama. The sets and costumes are wonderful in the film. Ms. Davis and Mr. Flynn are excellent in their respective roles, as is the strong supporting cast. The earthquake scenes alone are worth the price of the video. Bette Davis fans will not be disappointed. |
