Thirteen Women

Thirteen Women is a gripping pre-Code psychological drama film released in 1932. Featuring a star-studded cast, including Irene Dunne, Ricardo Cortez, and Jill Esmond, the movie showcases their talents effectively. Based on a 1930 novel of the same name by Tiffany Thayer, the film adaptation explores themes hinged on manipulation, fear, and the supernatural. The film’s direction is handled by George Archainbaud, while it is produced by David O. Selznick.

The narrative of Thirteen Women unfolds in the realm of the eerie and the mystic, centering around a seemingly innocent but potent tool – astrology. The story revolves around 12 women who were school friends at a boarding school, with one other who left the school due to the torment she faced because of her racial background. As adults, these women are now spread across different parts of the world, diverse in their lifestyle and statuses. The thread tying these disparate women together comes in the form of horoscopes, sent to them by a soothsayer, Swami Yogadachi, played by C. Henry Gordon.

Irene Dunne, known for her effortless transitions between genres, plays the part of Laura Stanhope, a wealthy society woman living in New York City. She portrays this character with her usual grace and sophistication, adding elements of vulnerability and fear when Laura becomes part of a diabolical psychological game. The part of the antagonist, the emotionally scarred and revengeful Ursula Georgi, is brilliantly enacted by Myrna Loy. Her role, though primarily negative, is poignant and elicits understanding due to the trauma she endured.

The movie is an intense roller-coaster ride where each woman receives a horoscope predicting catastrophic events. The predictions initially evoke fear and serenity but soon spiral into a self-fulfilling prophecy. This creates an atmosphere of tense expectancy, suspense, and an underboding sense of dread. As innocent lives get tangled in the web of these life-altering predictions, the plot raises questions about fate and destiny's nature. The dip into the supernatural elements adds a particular aesthetic to the film.

Ricardo Cortez plays Police Sergeant Barry Clive, who holds skepticism for the horoscope’s influence over the women's lives. Clive's character, serving as a grounding factor amidst the mystical elements, provides a practical perspective, evoking a sense of rationality in the sea of impending doom. Meanwhile, Jill Esmond is seen in the role of a tight-rope circus performer who also receives one of the fateful horoscopes. Like the other characters, she gets enmeshed in the ominous atmosphere punctuated by the prophecies.

Casting an early glance at racism and its harrowing effects, the story of Thirteen Women stands out as socially progressive for its time. Balancing nuanced social commentary and thrilling suspense, the movie is a testament to the storytelling prowess prevalent in early Hollywood films. Racial ostracization is no longer a mere backdrop in this narrative but rather a catalyst to the unravelling drama.

From an aesthetic perspective, Thirteen Women is a visual treat with its atmospheric cinematography. Selectively employing the elements of film noir, it creates a dark, shadowy world where fear and uncertainty rule. The musical score, adding to the suspenseful atmosphere, creates a captivating auditory experience that complements the unfolding narrative's tension.

Thirteen Women stands as an interesting historical piece, reflecting the state of society in the early part of the 20th century. The tale, routed through supernatural elements, serves as an exploration of human nature, looking into the abyss of fear and the lengths one may go driven by it. Given the era in which it was produced, the film indeed bears its share of cultural and societal nuances.

With strong performances, a riveting narrative, and societal undertones, Thirteen Women is an intriguing film, showcasing the penchant for thrill and drama that charged early Hollywood. This movie leaves its audience pondering the essence of fate and the power of suggestion, making it an engaging watch for those captivated by psychological and eerie dramas.