Near the beginning of the film, Jerry Spencer, an eager student reporter (Richard Erdman), asks Karel Which of the living composers should I admire? Karel demurs, but when asked who he likes best, he replies: Stravinsky when I think of the present, Richard Strauss when I think of the past, and of course, Hollenius, who combines the rhythm of today with the melody of yesterday. The last is an apt description of and probable tribute to Korngold. Anyway, the point is that while the story is mystifying enough and the performers keep moving about under Robert Siodmak's direction, the picture just seems to ramble along and only occasionally does it rouse one out of a state of indifferent attention. Any fan of classic movies must own a copy of this one, if only for Claude Rain's amazing performance. Who can top that 'tour de force'? It's got all the makings of a good melodrama. Davis also starred in a number of contemporary films, such as What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? Angela Lansbury: She didnt have a natural beauty, but she knew it. She was born on April 5, 1908, in Lowell, Mass., to Harlow Morrell Davis and Ruth Elizabeth Davis. . Davis was taken to the hospital outside Paris for an emergency after arriving in Europe to receive an award. Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2022. His character is an egotistical, sexy, hilarious conductor with the improbable name of Alex Hellonious. That remark isn't too far off the mark; the swoony music, florid dialogue and ridiculous situations Bette Davis, Paul Henreid and Claude Rains find themselves saddled with make for terrifically overblown entertainment. Stay up-to-date on all the latest Rotten Tomatoes news! In honor of her birthday on April 5, here are some facts about Bette Davis. This satisfying melodrama has one thing going for it: the great music one hears throughout the movie, it's highlight being the Korngold Cello concerto, a rarity seldom heard, let alone in films. After a string of failed launches, Bette Davis was at her wit's end. Keeping audience interest with just three players over a two hour time presents a real challenge. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. But, then, let's not quibble on that point. Paul HenreidAlexander Hollenius . Ruth Elizabeth "Bette" Davis was an American actress of film, television and theater. Its story about a love triangle that involves classical musicians is characterised by mendacity, suspicion and passions that run so high that they eventually lead to murder and there's also an ever-present tension that exists because the stakes are so high for everyone involved. Tap "Sign me up" below to receive our weekly newsletter Her reputation was solidified by her role as one of the "true greats" of the film industry, according to her former boss, President Ronald Reagan. . Did Barbara Stanwyck Ever Play The Piano? He then returns to his dressing room and as the concert is heard resuming after intermission with Schubert's Unfinished Symphony Christine enters and their eyes meet in his mirror. She also starred in several short films urging Americans to donate to the war effort. Davis is his paramour and a serious. This is a film where all three stars shine equally. Rains, having an absolute field day as the unhinged musical genius, bangs and smacks at the poor keyboard as an unhinged musical genius in a camp melodrama would. He plays a distinguished 'cellist who has escaped from Europe at last, and when he saws on his fiddle Miss Davis' eyes suffuse with tears. This labor is titled "Deception," and it came to the Hollywood yesterday.The Warners may hate us for snitching, but "Deception" is based upon the same Verneuil play as is "Obsession," a current revival on Broadway. Peter Williams is a graduate of B.A Arts and Culture from the University of Technology Sydney. They won't be able to see your review if you only submit your rating. Those words echoed in my dreams as a young man. Bette Davis was born on April 5, 1908 in Lowell, Massachusetts, USA. And Irving Rapper's direction, while suggesting emotional immensities, does not impart any real meaning to an artified Frankie-and-Johnny theme.Incidentally, a piece of music which Erich Wolfgang Korngold has composed as a sensation-stirring concerto is no more impressive than the film. Despite four marriages, she struggled with loneliness in later years. When she was older, she changed her first name to Bette as an homage to Honor de Balzac's novel La Cousine Bette. The Many Talents Of Bing Crosby: From Crooner To Pianist, How To Get David Gilmours Signature Guitar Sound, The Best Guitar Strings For Metalheads: Metallicas Secret, How To Play I Love You On Guitar Billie Eilish, How To Connect A Wireless Guitar Controller To PS2, How To Play Rock On Electric Guitar: The Basics, How To Play Guitar Like Marty McFly: 5 Tips For Beginners. [7] The 1929 film is set in Paris, and the characters are the owner of a dress shop, the young artist she marries, and the elderly boulevardier who bought the dress shop for her. Cinemark The plot of this film has been repeated already in these boards; suffice it to say, Bette is petrified that Rains will spill the beans on their long affair to her new husband Paul Henried. But her off-screen was as dramatic as her movies, with her infamous feud with Joan Crawford still tantalizing people today. If you're a Claude Rains fan--and there are MANY, MANY of them out there--you might have read my profile on his career in CLASSIC IMAGES, a long article with many photos that appeared in the December 2000 issue. . And they made every scene longer than it had to be. 1 has a part called "The Part of the Piano Sonata.". This broods a bit and suggests trouble, and then comes the third player, who outdoes them both, in the form of Claude Rains. Bette Davis in a series of superior films. Bette matches him with a finely controlled display of emotions and Paul Henreid is altogether convincing in a rather thankless role as her ex-lover who re-enters her life and incurs the wrath of Rains. A plot summary gives a hint of the sheer silliness that unfolds in "Deception" (POSSIBLE SPOILERS): Christine (nicknamed "Schatzy"!) But this time they had less success. With her first Oscar, Dangerous, she moved up in the ranks of Hollywood actresses. It also helps that Davis and Henreid don't look phony when 'playing' the music - Davis is particularly convincing because she could actually play the piano and Henreid, despite looking a little awkward, was helped with the same trick as Garfield in 'Humoresque'. [8] Glenn Erickson observes: In the original play the Karel Novak character is the one moved to violence at the conclusion, so Deception may be a case of a play distorted by the needs of the Hollywood Star Vehicle. And his cello concerto is a fine work in itself! Combined with the noirish lighting and deep focus of Davis's favourite cinematographer Ernie Haller, all goes to making 'Deception' a visual feast for any jaded cinephile. Bette Davis eyes. The young man confesses, and the play ends with the expectation that he will get off easily. But, the script-stealing scene is between Davis and Rains. She told Playboy in 1982 that she did not dare to be hated and that she would never get to where she wanted to be. Feel free to send us your trailer requests and we will do our best to hunt it down. When he returns, their romance is rekindled But during the time he was believed dead, Bette had become involved with composer Claude Rains. Deception (1946) starring Claude Rains, Bette Davis, and Paul Henreid 49,434 views Mar 13, 2021 352 Dislike Share Save Nancy Johnson 321 subscribers "It's like grand opera, only the people are. Davis wrote a letter to the three musicians following its success, thanking them for making her "a part of modern times" at age 73. This is a complete filmography of Bette Davis.Davis began acting in films in 1931, initially as a contract player with Universal Studios, where she made her film debut in Bad Sister.She was initially seen as unappealing by studio executives, and was assigned to a string of B-movies early in her career.. Davis made a transition to Warner Bros. in 1932, and made her breakthrough performance in . The screenplay was written by John Collier and Joseph Than. This is over the top screen acting at it's most enjoyable.If you've never seen this, take the opportunity and enjoy it for what it is: good old fashioned Hollywood entertainment. It was not the huge success that Zanuck had hoped for, however, and less than . Hollenius soon gives Novak a manuscript score of his new cello concerto, which Novak agrees to perform at its premiere. [12] For some scenes, Henreids arms were tied behind him, and two cellists put their arms through the sleeves of a specially designed coat.[13]. She planned on packing it up and going back to New Yorkjust before she booked The Man Who Played God, a film about a deaf pianist. The cast begins with two principals, played with usual intensity by Bette Davis and with usual restraint by Paul Henreid. Of Claude Rains' character in this picture. On the evening of the premiere, Christine visits Hollenius, who threatens to allow Novak the joy of a successful performance only to destroy him by telling him about their love affair. This collection gives us The Old Maid, seldom seen before VHS and this DVD. I love the comment by Cecilia Ager of PM who wrote: "It's like grand opera, only the people are thinner. Indeed, Malone adds, Davis wanted to become proficient enough to play live for the camera, but director Irving Rapper told her that it was not worth the effort, because no one would believe it. At their wedding the jealous behavior of Composer Alexander Hollenius (Claude Rains) leads Karel to suspect that he may be the other man. There is much that is wonderful about it, but there is a lot wrong with it. For the cello concerto, Erich Wolfgang Korngold provides a robust, darkly thrilling piece of work that gets the full treatment toward the climax of the story. The scene where the great composer unexpectedly arrives at Bette's and Paul's festive wedding party at her great loft apartment overlooking the river in New York (modeled on Leonard Bernstein's apartment) and trades poisonous banter with Bette and Paul makes the movie worth it by itself. with updates on movies, TV shows, Rotten Tomatoes podcast and more. Davis and Rains are so good that even a mediocre plot can't keep them down. Claude Rains is one of the greatest actors ever to step in front of the camera, yet except for his performance in "Casablanca", he would be virtually unknown today. "Deception" tried to be more than it was. But the outcome of her performance still leaves her entirely unrevealed.In the play, the man who is bumped off never appears on the stage. At the Hollywood.Christine Radcliffe . Somehow Henreid accepts that she paid for this apartment with a music teacher's salary. They marry, but the composer Alexander Hollenius makes a dramatic entrance at their wedding reception. She brought the Henry Farrell novel to Davis in person and Davis insisted that she play the titular role of the older sister (Considine, 294-5). It was directed by Paul Henreid from a screenplay by Oscar Millard and Albert Beich from the story La Otra by Rian James, previously filmed in a Mexican version starring Dolores del Ro. She founded the Hollywood Canteen, where soldiers passing through Los Angeles could mingle with stars, and she toured with actresses Hattie McDaniel, Lena Horne, and Ethel Waters to perform for all-black army divisions. As they walk out a lady says, "Oh, Christine, you must be the happiest woman in the world," which eventually elicits a wan smile from Christine. At Loew's CriterionTHE DARK MIRROR, screen play by Nunnally Johnson from a story by Vladimir Pozner; directed by Robert Siodmak; produced by Mr. Johnson for Universal-International Pictures.Terry Collins . Gary Merrill, whom Miss Davis married in 1950, starred alongside her in All About Eve. Sadly, Bette Davis died on October 6, 1989, of metastasized breast cancer, in Neuilly-sur-Seine, Hauts-de-Seine, France. Marvel Movies Ranked Worst to Best by Tomatometer, Jurassic Park Movies Ranked By Tomatometer, Golden Tomato Awards: Best Movies & TV of 2022, 10 WTF Horror Movies to Watch if You Loved M3GAN, Christian Slater and Jonathan Kasdan Talk Willow Finale, Allagashs Possible Survival, and Potential Season 2 Stories. This is a true Bette Davis special, so much to watch for Bette plays Beethoven's Apassionata sonata! Occasionally the digitization process introduces transcription errors or other problems; we are continuing to work to improve these archived versions. TimesMachine is an exclusive benefit for home delivery and digital subscribers. Then David O. Selznick took over and wanted Bette, but only in a deal whereby Errol Flynn would be her Rhett. Bette Davis passed away on October 6, 1989, at the age of 81. She was demoted to usherette after failing to land the part. Verified reviews are considered more trustworthy by fellow moviegoers. Fans around the world are paying tribute to one of Hollywood's most enduring stars, Betta Davis. No matter--it cannot be stated too often. Ruth Elizabeth Davis was born on April 5, 1908, inLowell, Mass., to Harlow Morrel Davis and Ruth Favor Davis. She has told him that she is living a financially precarious life as a pianist but this conflicts with what Karel sees in her apartment, such as a fur coat hanging in the closet and rare art on display. (1962), Davis had a Coke machine installed on set as a dig at her costar Crawford, who was the widow of Pepsis CEO. . . A melodrama with delusions of grandeur. The cause of death was breast cancer. Her work throughout World War II contributed to the sale of millions of war bonds. One can see he thoroughly enjoyed the role he's called upon to play, executing it with a flamboyant style all his own. Needless to say, Hollenius isn't happy and makes a big scene at the couple's wedding reception. When did we learn to stop letting go of grim reality?? Will Hellanious spill the beans about his "protegee"? Betty Davis had one child, a daughter named Barbara Davis Sherry. It stars Bette Davis, Paul Henreid, and Claude Rains, who had also appeared together in the highly successful Now, Voyager (1942). Mr. Ayres is noticeably more mature than he was five years ago, but his acting hasn't been adversely affected by the long absence. This 10-digit number is your confirmation number. Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2022. Deception: Christine Radcliffe: 1946: Buy the DVD (#ad) 17: Ex-Lady: Helen Bauer: 1933: Buy the DVD (#ad) 18: Fog Over Frisco: Arlene Bradford: 1934: Buy the DVD (#ad) 19: Bette DavisKarel Novak . We want to hear what you have to say but need to verify your account. Deception is a Netflix film from 2008. Bette Davis arrived in California just as talkies were becoming mainstream, and within a few years, she had blossomed into one of the first major stars of Hollywoods Golden Age. Oh, but of course, you think they can, don't you? Will Christine have the proper fur to wear to the symphony hall? . And then, when the unsubmissive lover threatens nastily to tell all, the lady, for some uncertain reason, fills him full of lead.In the play, the vengeful murder is performed by the lady's jealous spouse, whichalthough it may seem a bit violentdoes make a little more sense. and The Silence of the Lambs. She is overjoyed that he is alive, but their reunion is uneasy, as he suspects that she found someone else in his absence. Thousands of people crowded the streets outside the Strand Theatre in Portland, Maine, for the screening on 22 July 1955. 'Deception' feels almost subtle in comparison (who am I kidding??). In Europe to receive an award and Rains natural beauty, but only in deal... Three players over a two hour time presents a real challenge cast begins with principals... 1950, starred alongside her in all about Eve errors or other problems ; we are continuing to to... Also starred in several short films urging Americans to donate to the hospital outside Paris for an emergency after in... Your account, a daughter named Barbara Davis Sherry at their wedding reception enjoyed the he... More than it had to be more than it had to be more than it was the by... The age of 81 films, such as What Ever Happened to Baby Jane she paid for this with! 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