What it’s about
Sam Dodsworth (Huston), a business tycoon, decides to retire and take an extended trip to Europe with wife Fran (Chatterton). Unfortunately, Sam’s financial success has only increased Fran’s latent vanity and social-climbing tendencies. No longer distracted by his work, he sees his wife’s weaknesses for the first time, as she openly flirts and cavorts with a European aristocrat. Sam must then confront the problem in his marriage, and then find a way to regain some happiness for himself.
Why we love it
Adapting a novel by Sinclair Lewis, director Wyler and screenwriter Sydney Howard crafted an affecting romantic drama for the ages. They wisely minimize the soapiness inherent in the premise, fashioning an honest and surprisingly moving film about love lost and re-discovered. The Oscar-nominated Huston is superb, and the film also garnered six other nods, most notably Best Picture, Director, and Screenplay. (Trivia note: look for a young David Niven in a small but pivotal role.)
Walter Huston, Ruth Chatterton, Paul Lukas, David Niven, Mary Astor William Wyler
Walter Huston Ruth Chatterton Paul Lukas David Niven Mary Astor William Wyler
Walter Huston Ruth Chatterton Paul Lukas David Niven Mary Astor William Wyler
