This was one of Bette Davis' most disliked films. It got bad reviews and didn't make any money but I can see why this appealed to her. It's all above the neck, somewhat ethereal. I'm sure she wanted to see if she can pull the audience in, bring the same emotional storm she has brought to so many other films with out any action. She succeeded beautifully. So did her co-star, but he has always been known for his deliberate delivery. The dialogue was quick, sharp and at times, very funny, due to John Hoyt's 40's imitation of a bitchy Queen. I laughed out loud when I saw Florence Bates dressed as caretaker's wife. I could also imagine the director screaming at her while she stumbles around the kitchen, a place she has never been seen before in a film. However, this film is not light and amusing, it's very sad, almost heartbreaking. To spend your whole life unloved and than to finally find the perfect mate only to be told he is married to a religious ideal that he will never obtain. I was hoping for a happy resolution but let me tell you, to have to accept reconciliation with ones mother in exchange for Jim Davis is not an even exchange. These people connected and communicated on a lever that neither one had ever experienced before and knew they never would again. I have one question. Why would Slick pursue her if he knew it could not lead to anything? Except there would not have been a movie without it. I wonder how the two got along during this shoot. I'm sure Jim was scared to death of her and his affect was stiff and unsure sometimes, but it was the dichotomy that also created the attraction. I hope more people will give this a try. You will never see Bette so quiet and so hurt, You ache for her.
Review of Winter Meeting
