Year: 1944
Director: Vincent Sherman
Country: US
Language: English
Mr. Skeffington (1944) was thoroughly backed by the immense resources at Warner Bros. disposal; having lavish sets, impressive costumes, and a well paid cast and crew. There was no doubt that it would receive a few Oscar Nominations that year. Unfortunately for Bette Davis, this film would mark a decline in her career. Off-camera drama and her aging looks would make her less of an asset to the studio and she many future roles would instead go to younger stars.
Popular and beautiful Fanny Trellis (Bette Davis) is forced into a loveless marriage with an older man, Jewish banker Job Skeffington (Claude Rains), in order to save her beloved brother Trippy (Richard Waring) from an embezzlement charge, and predictable complications result.
Mr.Skeffington was one of those best sellers that Hollywood loved to turn into grandiose movies. Once Bette Davis got wind that WB optioned the novel and expressed her desire to play Fanny, there was no stopping her from stealing the show. Bette was quite venemous on set however; her husband died during production and, according to her own memoirs, she had an attitude "only a mother could love." I doubt any star got, or could get, away with as much as she did!
The script, by twins Julius and Philip Epstein, is clever and adult for its era. Mr. Skeffington's story is well constructed, hitting all the right notes throughout its run-time. Having director Vincent Sherman at the helm, as well as cinematographer Ernest Haller behind the lens, proved to be an exceptional tour de force. Franz Waxman's magnificent score contributes to the enchanting atmosphere present throughout the picture.
While its not the best Bette Davis picture, that would be All About Eve (1950), her Oscar nomination for this role was well-deserved. Though she would have been difficult to work with even if he husband didn't die, this occasion is far-more understandable. Pure melodrama, Mr.Skeffington is a worthwhile viewing for fans of Hollywood's Golden Age.
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