Madame Curie (1943)
Some true stories, although fascinating, are just too sad to really focus on. Madame Curie’s life story is too tragic to qualify a biopic as entertainment. Even though the accomplished Greer Garson portrayed her, I reluctantly watched the film.
As was the case in many Hollywood biopics, this movie was very watered-down. There were many “Hollywood” touches, like Walter Pidgeon’s absentminded professor personality, that made it feel a bit corny. Greer was able to put her natural enthusiasm into the character, but she wasn’t given the opportunity to use her other dramatic talents. There are a couple of scenes thrown in for dramatic purposes, but it’s just too melodramatic to really invest your emotions into it. Ironically, the saddest part of Madame Curie’s story isn’t included in the film. She realizes the radium is very powerful, but she doesn’t suffer any health problems from it; and the movie concludes with her very much alive.
If you like the supporting cast (Dame May Whitty, Henry Travers, C. Aubrey Smith, Robert Walker, Reginald Owen, Van Johnson, Albert Bassermann, and Margaret O’Brien), as well as the frequent pairings of Greer and Walter, you’ll probably be drawn to this movie. Just know what you’re getting into: a corny, fictionalized Hollywood biopic.
Want to watch it? Click here to see it on ok.ru and thanks "Classic Movies Kristine Rose" for posting!
More Van Johnson movies here!
More Margaret O'Brien movies here!
As was the case in many Hollywood biopics, this movie was very watered-down. There were many “Hollywood” touches, like Walter Pidgeon’s absentminded professor personality, that made it feel a bit corny. Greer was able to put her natural enthusiasm into the character, but she wasn’t given the opportunity to use her other dramatic talents. There are a couple of scenes thrown in for dramatic purposes, but it’s just too melodramatic to really invest your emotions into it. Ironically, the saddest part of Madame Curie’s story isn’t included in the film. She realizes the radium is very powerful, but she doesn’t suffer any health problems from it; and the movie concludes with her very much alive.
If you like the supporting cast (Dame May Whitty, Henry Travers, C. Aubrey Smith, Robert Walker, Reginald Owen, Van Johnson, Albert Bassermann, and Margaret O’Brien), as well as the frequent pairings of Greer and Walter, you’ll probably be drawn to this movie. Just know what you’re getting into: a corny, fictionalized Hollywood biopic.
Want to watch it? Click here to see it on ok.ru and thanks "Classic Movies Kristine Rose" for posting!
More Van Johnson movies here!
More Margaret O'Brien movies here!