Coming in pretty late in the "women's picture" cycle, which had it's peak in the '40's and a resurgence in the late '50's and early '60's, is this Lana Turner tour de force. Very few people in 1966 were willing to allow themselves to be swept away by such a romantic, sentimental and at times preposterous storyline, but if taken as a fable of mother love, the film delivers in spades. Turner (at 45, a touch old for the earliest scenes, but still very effective) marries a wealthy politician (Forsythe) with designs on the White House. She is immediately disdained by his socially prominent mother who lays in wait for her to make a mistake which will give her the ability to offload Turner for good. The time finally comes and Turner is forced to leave her husband and small boy without even a goodbye. This is only the beginning of the story as Turner endures a lifetime of depression and oppression along with unwanted affection. The whole thing culminates years later in what is, for some, one of the ultimate tear-jerking moments in film. For the cynical...it's all just sappy soap opera. It is overwrought and overdone at times, but is extremely plush and grand and has a familiar cast which does an excellent job throughout. It's amusing to see Turner become involved with "Blake Carrington", "Mr. Rourke" and "The Penguin" as she goes along, but each actor compliments her in some way. She goes from ingenue to feeble, sickly old woman in what many consider to be her finest film work ever. Dullea was never more appealing...his blue eyes searing the screen. Threatening at all times to steal the show is brittle Bennett in her last film role. Rail thin and sporting a hilarious, red, Mary Tyler Moore-style wig, she is a fire-breathing, raspy-voiced, condor. She is denied a chance to shine at the end, but lingers in the memory as a venomous villain. The over-the-top musical score by Frank Skinner only adds to the fun and all the hallmarks (Jean Louis gowns, fine jewels, furs...) of a great women's picture are in place. Curl up and have laugh or two and then a good cry.
Review of Madame X
