This is one of my favorite "gothic" romance movies of the 40s. There is a haunting melody throughout and it captures the tragedy and mystery that is Dragonwyck. Gene Tierney is wonderful in the starring role of Miranda, going from love-struck and strong-willed to heart-broken and resigned throughout the course of the movie, playing each scene to perfection.
A side note to Ms. Tierney's portrayal of Miranda in this film - The actress Gene Tierney had a fling with the young John Fitzgerald Kennedy, and first laid eyes on him, watching her, while she is playing a scene with her father, the great actor John Huston, reading the bible to her to determine her course of future action - should she accept the proposal of her cousin, or not. She looked up and there he was, clearly smitten with the beautiful Ms. Tierney, and they began to see each other directly after that - or so Ms. Tierney comments in her marvelous autobiography.
The bible figures prominently in another scene when the imperious Nicholas first makes his appearance, played to haughty perfection by the very tall and very talented Vincent Price. Very dramatic and memorable! The great Jessica Tandy also has a significant role as Miranda's feisty maid. And, what better actress to play the role of the wise and comforting mother, but the marvelous Anne Revere.
See it, if only for the atmospheric and haunting music that stays with you after the film is ended. See it, if only for the beautiful and talented Gene Tierney. See it, if only for the great actors, Vincent Price, John Huston, Anne Revere and Jessica Tandy. It is a little gem of a film!
A side note to Ms. Tierney's portrayal of Miranda in this film - The actress Gene Tierney had a fling with the young John Fitzgerald Kennedy, and first laid eyes on him, watching her, while she is playing a scene with her father, the great actor John Huston, reading the bible to her to determine her course of future action - should she accept the proposal of her cousin, or not. She looked up and there he was, clearly smitten with the beautiful Ms. Tierney, and they began to see each other directly after that - or so Ms. Tierney comments in her marvelous autobiography.
The bible figures prominently in another scene when the imperious Nicholas first makes his appearance, played to haughty perfection by the very tall and very talented Vincent Price. Very dramatic and memorable! The great Jessica Tandy also has a significant role as Miranda's feisty maid. And, what better actress to play the role of the wise and comforting mother, but the marvelous Anne Revere.
See it, if only for the atmospheric and haunting music that stays with you after the film is ended. See it, if only for the beautiful and talented Gene Tierney. See it, if only for the great actors, Vincent Price, John Huston, Anne Revere and Jessica Tandy. It is a little gem of a film!