Harriet Craig

Harriet Craig is a compelling dramatic movie released in 1950, under the proficient direction of Vincent Sherman. This film captivates audiences with its intriguing plot and the brilliance of its leading lady, the legendary Joan Crawford, along with Wendell Corey and Lucile Watson.

In Harriet Craig, we meet the titular character Harriet Craig, portrayed masterfully by Joan Crawford. Harriet, a domineering woman, whose life revolves around the maintenance and the control of her extravagant, meticulous, and immaculate home, is a character who will quickly captivate audiences. She prides herself on having a home that is always kept perfectly. Everything from the position of the furniture to the arrangement of the flowers matters enormously to her.

Crawford's portrayal of Harriet is infused with a blend of raw power and delicate vulnerability which makes the character multi-dimensional and interesting to watch. Every nuance, every detail in Harriet's world is meticulously maintained, mirroring her need for control and order. However, her near-compulsive need for control and order extends beyond her mansion's pristine walls.

The movie introduces Harriet's husband, Walter Craig, played by Wendell Corey, who equally mesmerizes us with his performance. He is a soft-spoken, good-natured man who is deeply in love with his wife. Despite his high-paying job and social standing, he is overshadowed by Harriet's overwhelming control as she uses her manipulative tactics to keep him under her thumb. Walter, however naive and submissive, is happy in his marriage, blissfully unaware of Harriet's controlling nature.

As the narrative progresses, Harriet's control seeps into every aspect of her life. It is not just her home she manages with an iron fist; her domestic staff, relatives, and even her dear husband aren't exempt from her dominion. It is clear Harriet is fiercely protective of her world and will go to any lengths to keep it that way, even if it means compromising the relationships around her.

Harriet's world begins to change when her live-in cousin, Clare, portrayed by K.T. Stevens, becomes engaged. Fearful about losing Clare as an unpaid housemaid and family disputes over Clare’s dowry, Harriet plots to scuttle the marriage. While Harriet rules her household with guile and deceit, every move that she makes carries severe repercussions inevitably leading to startling revelations and emotional turmoil.

Lucile Watson portrays Harriet's Aunt Ellen, a strict disciplinarian who demands uprightness and honesty. Watson's portrayal of the character acts as a strong moral compass that guides and reprimands Harriet, attempting to correct her manipulative behavior.

The film brings into focus the life of women in the 1950s and examines society's conventional stereotypical expectations of them. It encapsulates the central figure, Harriet, who uses household management and beauty as a means to exert control and manipulate those around her.

Harriet Craig is shot using elegant cinematography, highlighting the ostentatious and organized lifestyle that Harriet so desperately clings to. The film authentically captures the traditional 1950s American household with its grand mansions, neatly dressed maids, and elegantly suited men. The dialogue throughout the movie is sharp and cutting, bringing out the subtle cruelty embedded in Harriet's character.

Joan Crawford unquestionably dominates the screen, imbuing Harriet with layers of complexity that make her character fascinating to watch, despite her flaws. The supporting performances by Wendell Corey, Lucile Watson, and Stevens offers depth and perspective to the narrative.

Harriet Craig is a film that is fascinated by its main character's compulsion and drive for control, offering an uncompromising glimpse into a life unraveled by obsession. It's a complex drama that looks deep into the human psyche's darker corners, a tale of control, manipulation, and the desperate need for perfection. From its immaculate sets to its emotionally complex characters, Harriet Craig is a powerful and memorable film.