"The great lie" ,although not as exciting as "the old maid" or "the razor's edge" ,is another worthwhile Davis melodrama.Its first part is the weakest : almost nothing happens and the depictions of the lives of Davis ,with her servant Hattie -Mammy- McDaniel ,and of Astor, a famous pianist drag on.
The movie hits its stride in its second part where Davis and Astor hide the child's birth.The howling wind,the isolated place,and the hatred the two women feel for each other is a good example of claustrophobia (Astor's nervous breakdown is impressive).
The third part is equally good.All smile Astor comes back ("Am I intruding?" "Of course you ain't " Davis could ironically answer)and in a voice full of hidden meanings only her enemy can understand,she begins to destroy Davis's home.Best picture is probably the scene when Astor has a go on a swing with the child after noticing that "he's already a musician.
They say Bette Davis wanted to play opposite Mary Astor .She got her wish and their acting is excellent.
The movie hits its stride in its second part where Davis and Astor hide the child's birth.The howling wind,the isolated place,and the hatred the two women feel for each other is a good example of claustrophobia (Astor's nervous breakdown is impressive).
The third part is equally good.All smile Astor comes back ("Am I intruding?" "Of course you ain't " Davis could ironically answer)and in a voice full of hidden meanings only her enemy can understand,she begins to destroy Davis's home.Best picture is probably the scene when Astor has a go on a swing with the child after noticing that "he's already a musician.
They say Bette Davis wanted to play opposite Mary Astor .She got her wish and their acting is excellent.