Watch The Women

"The Women" is a 1939 American film directed by George Cukor and produced by Hunt Stromberg, starring Norma Shearer, Joan Crawford, and Rosalind Russell. The movie is based on the play of the same name by Clare Boothe Luce, which tells the story of a group of women who confront the various personal and professional problems in their lives.

The film is set in high society New York during the 1930s and follows the lives of a group of women who are primarily wealthy and socially prominent. The central character of the film is Mary Haines (played by Norma Shearer), a loving wife and mother who discovers that her husband, Stephen (played by Phillip G. Armstrong), is having an affair with a gold-digging shopgirl named Crystal Allen (played by Joan Crawford).

In response to the news of the affair, Mary's friends begin to gossip and speculate. Her friend, Sylvia Fowler (played by Rosalind Russell), is particularly vocal and fuels the rumors about the affair, despite Mary's pleas for discretion. As Mary tries to come to terms with her husband's infidelity, she receives advice and support from her mother (played by Lucile Watson), her daughter (played by Virginia Weidler), and her close friend, Countess de Lave (played by Mary Boland).

The film explores the changing roles of women in the 1930s and their struggle to reconcile traditional expectations with their own desires and ambitions. Mary, Sylvia, and their friends represent a cross-section of women in society, from stay-at-home mothers to working women, and their differing perspectives on relationships, marriage, and career provide insights into the challenges that women face in a male-dominated world.

Of particular note is the film's all-female cast, which was unusual for its time. The absence of male characters on-screen, despite their consistent presence in the story, highlights the importance of female relationships and bonds. The film also features performances by notable actresses such as Joan Fontaine, Paulette Goddard, and Hedda Hopper.

"The Women" is notable for its biting wit and arch humor, which satirizes the antics of the women and their social circles. The dialogue is sharp and fast-paced, with characters delivering one-liners and zingers that are still memorable today. The film's art direction and costumes are also worth mentioning, as they capture the elegance and glamour of the 1930s with style and panache.

Overall, "The Women" is a classic comedy-drama that remains relevant and fresh even today. It provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of women in high society during the 1930s, and the struggles and triumphs that they experienced. With its excellent cast, sparkling dialogue, and engaging storyline, "The Women" is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of film, the portrayal of women in media, or simply great entertainment.

The Women is a 1939 comedy with a runtime of 2 hours and 13 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7.