Jezebel
1938
8/10
I watched this one tonight on tubi.
I had last saw this back in the late 70s watching it with my mother who was a big fan of Bette Davis. This film for whatever reason popped up in my recommendations recently so I decided to check it out again cuz I forgot what happened.
The film takes place prior to the Civil War in Louisiana in 1852. It gives a lot of history on events that took place prior in US history going back to the early 1800s. It’s amazing watching this film and seeing how history is repeating itself.
Being it takes place before the Civil War, it gives some insight on why the War took place. There is dialogue on the expansion of the US west of the Mississippi to the Pacific Northwest due to the Louisiana purchase and how mofos want to finally profit from it in the Northern/Southern states.
For the Militants, Slavery takes place, but nothing is shown. Slaves are shown and they are depicted as being happy, living good, eating good along with acting out stereotypes which was common during the era this film was made.
For the InCells, Bette Davis stars in the film. Bette was known on taking roles depicting a strong woman treating men like dirt. She says and does things in this film you will find disturbing and offensive.
This is one of Bette Davis iconic roles, she won a Best Actress Oscar for it. Stymie from “Our Gang/Little Rascals” has a small role.
Not spoiling it, but the ending fell flat with what they did with Bette Davis character.
tubi has a clean, remastered copy.
Synopsis
In one of her most renowned roles, Bette Davis portrays Julie Marsden, a spoiled Southern belle who risks losing her suitor with her impetuous behavior. Engaged to successful banker Preston Dillard (Henry Fonda), Julie pushes him away with her arrogant and contrary ways, leading to a scandalous scene at a major social event and his subsequent departure. When Preston eventually returns and Julie attempts to win him back, she discovers that it may be too late.