Watch The Chapman Report

The Chapman Report is a steamy and daring drama from 1962, directed by George Cukor and based on the novel of the same name by Irving Wallace. The movie follows the lives of four women living in a small town in California, who participate in a study on female sexuality conducted by Dr. Chapman (Efrem Zimbalist Jr.). The women, played by Shelley Winters, Jane Fonda, Claire Bloom, and Glynis Johns, are all very different from each other but share a common desire for sexual liberation and self-expression.

The movie opens with Dr. Chapman interviewing each of the women, trying to understand their sexual experiences, desires and frustrations. As the interviews progress, it becomes clear that the women are all struggling with societal norms that restrict their sexuality, and are looking for a way to break free from these constraints.

We meet Sarah Garnell (Shelley Winters), a middle-aged widow who is sexually frustrated and yearns for physical intimacy. She is having an affair with a younger man, but their relationship is purely physical, and she longs for something deeper. Then there's Kathleen Barclay (Jane Fonda), a young and beautiful woman who is engaged to a wealthy man but is secretly attracted to a rebellious artist (played by Ty Hardin). The third woman in the study is Naomi Shields (Claire Bloom), a successful writer who is struggling to reconcile her sexual fantasies with her conservative values. And finally, we have Teresa Harnish (Glynis Johns), a housewife who has never experienced an orgasm and feels disconnected from her husband.

As the study progresses, the women find themselves opening up to Dr. Chapman and each other, sharing their deepest desires and fears. They also begin to experiment with their sexuality, breaking free from the repressive social norms that have been holding them back. However, their newfound freedom comes with a price, as each of them faces personal challenges and consequences for their actions.

Throughout the movie, we see the women struggle with their identities, desires, and relationships. Sarah must come to terms with her age and the limitations it imposes on her sexuality, while Kathleen must decide between her fiancé and her desires. Naomi is torn between her conservative values and her erotic fantasies, while Teresa is haunted by her inability to experience pleasure.

Cukor directs the film with sensitivity and nuance, never fully judging the characters' actions or desires. Instead, he allows the story to unfold naturally, and the performances from the all-star cast help to bring the characters to life. Shelley Winters is particularly impressive, capturing the frustration and yearning of a woman who feels trapped by social norms.

The Chapman Report is a product of its time, and the frank discussions of female sexuality and desire were considered groundbreaking at the time of its release. Today, the movie may seem tame by modern standards, but it remains a fascinating look at the role of women in society and the struggle for sexual liberation.

Overall, The Chapman Report is an intriguing and thought-provoking drama that explores the complexities of female sexuality and identity. It's a movie that will leave viewers thinking long after the credits roll.

The Chapman Report is a 1952 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 5 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5.