The Women

The 1939 movie titled The Women, directed by George Cukor, stars renowned actresses of the era, including the exceptional Norma Shearer, the dramatic and flamboyant Joan Crawford, and the witty Rosalind Russell. Boasting an entirely female cast of more than 130 women and excluding a single male character – even in supporting or minor roles - this film becomes a unique cinematic experience. There are no men in the film, but their presence is always implied. It embodies the golden age of Hollywood while marching to the beat of its drum through its exclusive focus on the female perspective.

Set against a New York socialite backdrop, The Women revolves around the upper echelons of society, scrutinising the tangled love lives and friendships of its characters. Norma Shearer plays the gracious and elegant character of Mary Haines, a woman of upstanding moral principle and dignity.

In the neighbourhood of Park Avenue's pristine ladies, Mary’s friends unearth a gossipy tidbit about her husband's infidelity, inaugurating a chain of events that centre around gossip, betrayal, and the battles of love. Joan Crawford is finely cast as the provocative Crystal Allen, the perfume counter girl who, as the gossip unwinds, is found linked to Mary’s husband. Crystal is the polar opposite of Mary, embodying a ruthless ambition and a willingness to transgress the societal norms of the time to cement her place in the world of wealth.

Rosiland Russell shines as the gossipy Sylvia Fowler, the bearer of the unfortunate news to Mary, whose life descends into chaos following the revelation. Sylvia's relentless penchant for gossip underlines the film's central theme: "Jungle Red," a symbol of the backstabbing and cat-fights that occur under the polished surface of their high society lives.

The Women cleverly illustrates the pressures of society and marriage that the female characters face. It provides a unique and honest glimpse into the realities of their lives and the depths they will dive to preserve status, maritall bliss, and friendships. Some of the women are nurturing and loyal, like Mary, and others, like Crystal, are ruthless in their pursuit of better lives. But each one is trying to make their way in a world where the rules are set primarily by men.

Each scene is delicately laced with quick-witted dialogue, sharp comic timing, and dynamic performances to showcase these women's complex relationships. The script, peppered with emotional intensity and light, flippant conversation, creates a rich texture that defines the movie. Behind the elegance and brittle sophistication, the film delves into the challenging dynamics of friendship, loyalty, and societal pressures that women face, particularly within the realm of marriage.

At a runtime of over two hours, Cukor's consummate direction ensures a fine pace through the enthralling narrative. The audience is led through a myriad of emotions – laughter, shock, and sentimentality – that further accentuates the strength of the all-female ensemble cast.

The breathtaking black and white cinematography wonderfully captures the time period. There is one exception to this: a fashion show sequence that reveals vibrant shades of Technicolor enhancing the visual spectacle of the film while preserving the fashion styles of the period. This particular scene is a dazzling parade of 1939 high fashion that gives audience members a unique tableau of the era's glamour.

Moreover, the costumes, designed by famed Hollywood costume designer Adrian, are a sight to behold, highlighting the individuality of the characters and adding an extra layer to their personalities and class standings.

Despite the period setting, the themes resonate today because they deal with universal and timeless issues: friendships, rivalries, status anxieties, love and betrayal, and the struggles faced within a marriage. While some elements might feel undeniably rooted in a specific era, they still possess a certain charm and interest due to the clever script and towering performances.

The Women is engaging, funny, and heartwrenching, offering viewers an intriguing exploration of the realities of womanhood. Replete with superb performances, sharp dialogue and commentary on the societal pressures faced by women, The Women stakes its claim as a truly important entry in cinematic history.

Comedy and drama converge in The Women, creating a film that not only represents a visual feast due to its stunning set design and costume selection but also plays out as a thought-provoking narrative around female identity, friendship, and society's imposed rules. The Women thus provides a window into the lives of 1930s high society women, but its timeless themes and messages ensure it remains resonant and relevant even today.