Watch Jezebel

Jezebel is a classic romantic drama film released in 1938, directed by William Wyler and starring Bette Davis, Henry Fonda, and George Brent. The film is set in New Orleans in the 1850s and follows the story of Julie Marsden, a headstrong southern belle who defies social norms and risks losing her fiancé due to her stubbornness.

The movie opens with Julie (Bette Davis) attending a ball with her fiancé, Preston Dillard (Henry Fonda). Julie wears a red dress, which is seen as a scandalous choice because red is the color of fallen women. Dillard is unhappy with Julie's dress, and it leads to a heated argument that ends with Dillard breaking off their engagement. Furious and hurt, Julie decides to make Dillard jealous by flirting with Buck Cantrell (George Brent), a man who has always been in love with her.

As the story progresses, Julie and Buck become closer, and their relationship seems to be headed in a romantic direction. However, Julie's stubbornness and desire to always have her way continue to create problems for everyone around her. When a yellow fever epidemic strikes New Orleans, Julie's selfish decisions and actions lead to tragic consequences that force her to realize the error of her ways.

The film is a beautiful period piece that showcases the antebellum South and highlights the social norms that were expected during that era. The costumes and set design are stunning, and the cinematography is beautiful, giving viewers a glimpse of life in the South before the Civil War. The film also features a memorable score, which includes the iconic "The Bonnie Blue Flag," a song that was used as a marching song by Confederates during the Civil War.

The standout performance of the film is undoubtedly Bette Davis, who brings Julie Marsden to life with her fierce and compelling portrayal. She portrays Julie as a complex character who is both strong and vulnerable, stubborn and loving. Davis's performance earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress and solidified her as one of the greatest actresses of her time.

Henry Fonda is also excellent in his role as Preston Dillard, the man who loves Julie but cannot tolerate her stubbornness. His portrayal of the character is nuanced, and his scenes with Davis are particularly powerful.

George Brent, who plays Buck Cantrell, adds depth to the story as the man who loves Julie despite her flaws. Cantrell is patient, understanding, and willing to give Julie another chance, and Brent's performance is both charming and heartfelt.

Overall, Jezebel is a wonderful romantic drama film that showcases excellent performances and a captivating storyline. It is a movie that has stood the test of time and remains a classic film today. Fans of period dramas and classic Hollywood films will certainly enjoy this movie.

Jezebel is a 1938 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.