Indeed, the whole problem in the picture has a thoroughly artificial look.But, then, that's the movies for youespecially when they're tacking up a show-piece intended primarily to exhibit an actress' emotional range. . "Deception" tried to be more than it was. . She founded the Hollywood Canteen, where soldiers passing through Los Angeles could mingle with stars, and she toured with actresses Hattie McDaniel, Lena Horne, and Ethel Waters to perform for all-black army divisions. We believe that in the world of chaos and global challenges, music and arts is a creative way to escape reality, find peace and relax. is a 1964 American horror film made by Warner Bros. Well, you'll find out. We want to hear what you have to say but need to verify your account. Rains plays a world-famous, very wealthy composer. - IMDb Mini Biography By: Meredy <meredy@meredy.com> and Ed Stephan <stephan@cc.wwu.edu> and Denny Jackson She regrets that she could have played Scarlett OHara, but she declined the role for many years. Its story about a love triangle that involves classical musicians is characterised by mendacity, suspicion and passions that run so high that they eventually lead to murder and there's also an ever-present tension that exists because the stakes are so high for everyone involved. Rains, having an absolute field day as the unhinged musical genius, bangs and smacks at the poor keyboard as an unhinged musical genius in a camp melodrama would. Hollenius' Cello Concerto was written by Erich Wolfgang Korngold, who composed the music for this film. Unlock The Power Of The Silent Magician In Duel Links: All You Need To Know, Exploring The History And Meaning Of Magicians In Korean Culture. She rejected the glamour image that Hollywoods stars were usually expected to convey. "Deception" isn't a terrible film. . Bette Davis in a series of superior films. The song "Bette Davis Eye," originally written by Donna Weiss and Jackie DeShannon in 1974, topped the music charts when it was re-recorded by Kim Carnes in 1981. It was a fairly ordinary melodrama. Noted for her willingness to play unsympathetic, sardonic characters, she was highly regarded for her performances in a range of film genres, from contemporary crime melodramas to historical and period films and occasional comedies, although her greatest successes were her roles in romantic dramas. John AbbottThe man servant . How did I never come across Deception (1946) before? Davis wrote a letter to the. By creating an account, you agree to the Claude RainsBertram Gribble . [4][5], According to TCM, Davis wanted Deception to be a two-character film, like the play. [12] For some scenes, Henreids arms were tied behind him, and two cellists put their arms through the sleeves of a specially designed coat.[13]. And a few more incautious selections such as the old Louis Verneuil play which has been propped up to make her latest vehicle would regrettably do the trick. is the kept woman of brilliant composer Hellanious (Rains). She was born Ruth Elizabeth Davis in Lowell, Massachusetts on April 5, 1908, and was nicknamed Betty from early childhood. The film is based on the 1927 play Monsieur Lamberthier by Louis Verneuil. By opting to have your ticket verified for this movie, you are allowing us to check the email address associated with your Rotten Tomatoes account against an email address associated with a Fandango ticket purchase for the same movie. Do see this one, it's excellent entertainment! Talk to my friend Scott at Kawai Dallas Piano Gallery about getting yours shipped to your doorstep: https://www.. In this film, several times I felt the plot sinking under the weight of its overwrought script and a number of laughable implausibilities. "The Dark Mirror," like so many of its ilk, suffers from its author's lack of ingenuity to resolve his puzzle in a satisfying manner. She died in 1989 at the age of 79. She is overjoyed that he is alive, but their reunion is uneasy, as he suspects that she found someone else in his absence. Henreid and Davis play lovers, Karel Novak and Christine Radcliffe, who lost touch during the war, with Christine believing that Karel was dead. The 1962 film What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? It stars Bette Davis, Paul Henreid, and Claude Rains, who had also appeared together in the highly successful Now, Voyager (1942). It looks like nothing was found at this location. And Bette, a trained pianist, playing Beethoven at her wedding party (she really wanted to play it herself but Jack Warner decided against it but you can see she knows what she's doing in fingering the keys). Part two of the examination of the dualistic career of Bette Davis through the prism of Davis' roles as identical twins in the fraternal films A Stolen Life (1946) and Dead Ringer (1964). Coming at the tail end of the glory days of "women's pictures", "Deception" is a harbinger of the camp artifacts the genre would harden into (see any Ross Hunter production). But, as ever, a performance is what it is (Davis the original show-off). She founded and was president of the Tailwaggers Club, a group dedicated to animal welfare. . Her first film, Bad Sister, was released in 1931. and the Even Davis has a hard time holding her own with this old pro, who was a favorite co-star of hers. There is much that is wonderful about it, but there is a lot wrong with it. An accountant meets a man in a sex club. . . Shawn and Shawna Forget Henried's Karel who is merely window dressing. This film conyains one of Miss Davis' greatest performances, as she enters into the very heart of what a loveless life can do, to a young woman, and finnaly an older woman, living in a house with a cousin who caused so much of her loneliness. The title Jealousy was not available. Lew AyresLieut. The team behind "Deception" couldn't accept that. . . And they made every scene longer than it had to be. Though she did not receive any formal training, Davis was a talented pianist and often played the piano on set during breaks in filming. Watch and see! Will Karel's jealousy ruin his chance of a lifetime? But this was still a time when people cared and cynicism hadn't taken over so much that now anything not total po-faced realism (outside of a comedy proper) is sneered at knowingly or declared "so bad it's good" by a seemingly more 'sophisticated' audience. (1962), Davis had a Coke machine installed on set as a dig at her costar Crawford, who was the widow of Pepsis CEO. In France, where her work is revered, her death was front-page news. It was a time when they cared enough about high production values and reveled in artifice, glamour and the pure indulgence of escapism. Oh, and I forgot to mention the amazingly good symphony performance scenes, with an original cello concerto by Korngold, ("played" by Henreid with the arms of two real cellists reaching in from either side to play the instrument). Bette Davis was an American actress who appeared in over 100 films throughout her career. This movie could have been good, but it doesn't meet the audiences expectations for a movie called deception. . Coming as it does, not only on the cusp of Hollywood's golden age but also Davis's at Warners, 'Deception' is often forgotten or dismissed in favour of the previous classics she made with Warners or the gothic hysterics of her later films. . They wanted to pretend they were making an A picture. He absolutely has a blast playing the grand, tyrannical, jealous composer who hates giving Bette up to Paul Henreid, her former lover who has just returned from Europe at the end of the war. And despite a considerable expansion in population and in the number of sets used, it tells pretty much the same story as this dreary two-character one-set trick. [3] Contents 1 Plot 2 Cast 3 Production 4 Reception 4.1 Critical response (Check out the rococo New York brownstone mansion in which he's ensconced, more magnificent than anything a lesser studio could provide for a monarch in a story involving royalty!). . Will Christine have the proper fur to wear to the symphony hall? Davis lunges at him, wanting to marry him immediately. Rains is the big fat cat primed to pummel the mouse Davis. Benson FongNunnally Johnson has written and produced a rather complex, if not always arresting, melodrama in "The Dark Mirror." I'd consider it one of Rains' best acting performances - so suave, always a 'bon mot' at the right moment. His acting here has the force of a hurricane, obliterating the relatively flimsy acting of his peers. As in his earlier and superior mystery, "The Woman in the Window," Mr. Johnson solves the problem with a bit of trickery which is no credit to his craftsmanship. Ruth Elizabeth "Bette" Davis was an American actress of film, television and theater. Olivia de HavillandRuth CollinsDr. Rains all but steals the film as the genius composer with some of the cruelest and wittiest lines ever uttered by this talented actor. Lela BlissMiss Beade . This is over the top screen acting at it's most enjoyable.If you've never seen this, take the opportunity and enjoy it for what it is: good old fashioned Hollywood entertainment. A plot summary gives a hint of the sheer silliness that unfolds in "Deception" (POSSIBLE SPOILERS): Christine (nicknamed "Schatzy"!) Coming Soon. She was well known for portraying outspoken, complicated, often unlikable characters. And, I have to admit, an out and out camp classic. Just confirm how you got your ticket. But, the script-stealing scene is between Davis and Rains. Bette Davis was an American actress who appeared in over 100 films throughout her career. Who can top that 'tour de force'? On a recent Turner Classic Movies broadcast, I finally caught up with all of this one, having seen only snippets of it before. Bette Davis passed away on October 6, 1989, at the age of 81. Cinemark Distraught, Christine shoots him dead. The cast begins with two principals, played with usual intensity by Bette Davis and with usual restraint by Paul Henreid. This satisfying melodrama has one thing going for it: the great music one hears throughout the movie, it's highlight being the Korngold Cello concerto, a rarity seldom heard, let alone in films. And forget about uncompromising unkind critics; after all, Jan Sibelius once said, "Who ever built a monument to a critic?" While well-wishers wait, Christine confesses everything to her husband, and they leave the concert hall together. Paul Henreid provides a creditable rendering of his role as the love interest and suspicious husband but in my opinion he cannot keep up with the other two dynamic actors. Copyright Fandango. Doesn't the great Hollenius seem a tad too possessive? It was directed by Paul Henreid from a screenplay by Oscar Millard and Albert Beich from the story La Otra by Rian James, previously filmed in a Mexican version starring Dolores del Ro. See production, box office & company info, Warner Brothers Burbank Studios - 4000 Warner Boulevard, Burbank, California, USA. When he returns alive, they marry, but are menaced and threatened by a wealthy, egotistical composer she started dating on the rebound. Marta Mitrovich, See the article in its original context from. Instead, her rival Crawford accepted the award on behalf ofAnne Bancroftfollowing one of the industry's ugliest Oscars campaigns. Meanwhile, she's sneaking around to the Hollenius mansion hoping to appease him so he won't do anything like get her new husband, an excellent cellist, blacklisted. Now, it seems, Davis and crew were allowed to pull out all the stops. Claudette Colbert, the leading lady in It Happened One Night (1934), was originally meant to play Margo Channing. You're almost there! After a string of failed launches, Bette Davis was at her wit's end. [10], Paul Henreid says he enjoyed working with Bette Davis again but did not get along with Irving Rapper, the two men barely speaking to each other.[11]. She was known for her performances in a range of genres, including the classics All About Eve and Jezebel, for which she won her first two Academy Awards. But every scene is a gem, such as the scene where Claude takes them to a haute cuisine French restaurant and spends 10 minutes going back and forth over whether to order pheasant, trout, or saddle of lamb and whether to go with a Hermitage or a Vosne Romanee wine. {Semi-Spoiler} In the final confrontation with Davis' character, you can almost (but not quite) believe she would resort to using the means she does in a futile attempt to level the playing field, so much more powerful is Rains' personality. Will Hellanious spill the beans about his "protegee"? But this IS Davis and a Claude Rains on top form which means it's a winner. By continuing, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Bette Davis was born on April 5, 1908 in Lowell, Massachusetts, USA. After the mutual collaboration with the director Irving Rapper on NOW VOYAGER, the great trio of superb performers, Bette Davis, Claude Rains and Paul Henreid appeared again in DECEPTION a rather simple, even soap opera-like story ornamented with high-toned classical music setting (the film begins and ends with a concert). When she was older, she changed her first name to Bette as an homage to Honor de Balzac's novel La Cousine Bette. Bette Davis, original name Ruth Elizabeth Davis, (born April 5, 1908, Lowell, Massachusetts, U.S.died October 6, 1989, Neuilly-sur-Seine, France), versatile, volatile American actress, whose raw, unbridled intensity kept her at the top of her profession for 50 years. Where trailers from the past, from recent to long ago, from a time before YouTube, can be enjoyed by all. If you're a Claude Rains fan--and there are MANY, MANY of them out there--you might have read my profile on his career in CLASSIC IMAGES, a long article with many photos that appeared in the December 2000 issue. Irving Rapper's "Deception" reunited the three stars of a much better Bette Davis' vehicle: "Now Voyager". Named the second-greatest female film legend of all time by the American Film Institute, David had a long career as a movie star. . Like many Hollywood starlets, Bette Davis changed her name. He was a notorious scene stealer, filling the molds of his cinematic characters so completely it is virtually impossible to think of another actor in his place. After a brief theater career, she became one of the biggest stars in the Hollywood studio system, appearing in . Director Irving Rapper Writers John Collier Joseph Than Louis Verneuil (play "Monsieur Lamberthier") Stars Bette Davis Paul Henreid Claude Rains See production, box office & company info Watch on Prime Video Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2022. The ending is predictable, but that is not the point. I live to watch that scene over and again for its acting mastery. Deception is a 1946 American film noir drama released by Warner Brothers and directed by Irving Rapper. See Davis at her best in The Letter. Bette Davis eyes. Verified reviews are considered more trustworthy by fellow moviegoers. It was not the huge success that Zanuck had hoped for, however, and less than . Indeed, Malone adds, Davis wanted to become proficient enough to play live for the camera, but director Irving Rapper told her that it was not worth the effort, because no one would believe it. . Also, I've grown to appreciate Bette Davis movies as I got older and feel she gives a heart-rending performance that is thoughtful and, thank goodness, not so overwrought. Her father, Gregory Aller, coached Henreid in plausible bow movements. The screenplay was written by John Collier and Joseph Than. . But, more than this, the camp of 'Deception' is positively elevated to high art. The screenplay was written by John Collier and Joseph Than. Did Barbara Stanwyck Ever Play The Piano? Henreid's cello playing was dubbed by Eleanor Aller, who was pregnant with her son Frederick Zlotkin, who is now a noted cellist. In fact, was there ever a more detestable egotist than Rains' arrogant composer, Hollenius. Suspecting the sabotage of her husband's career, she unsuccessfully attempts to bribe Gribble into not co-operating. When did we learn to stop letting go of grim reality?? It is not only brilliantly acted by Rains, it is an example of screenwriting at its wittiest and sharpest. The protagonists are all musicians whose lives may be more complicated than one foreseesyet, there is something far more important that you also cannot see in advance: the miracle of silver screen's power to communicate ideas in a tremendously vibrant manner. Many scenes are 30% longer than they had to be. But this time they had less success. Davis, Henreid, and Rains play classical musicians caught in a torrid love triangle that ends violently. "Deception" was based on a play and the adaptation has opened it in unexpected ways. Paul HenreidAlexander Hollenius . With a hit in the can, at long last, her star was on the rise. Cast. She ends her affair with Rains and tries to pretend it never happened. Although few actresses have ever achieved distinction in this hazardous undertaking, the dual personality temptation likely will persist until some mischievous author comes along and writes about identical triplets. Crime, And Irving Rapper's direction, while suggesting emotional immensities, does not impart any real meaning to an artified Frankie-and-Johnny theme.Incidentally, a piece of music which Erich Wolfgang Korngold has composed as a sensation-stirring concerto is no more impressive than the film. Company info, Warner Brothers Burbank Studios - 4000 Warner Boulevard, Burbank, California, USA,... Was there ever a more detestable egotist than Rains ' best acting performances - so suave, always 'bon. Was nicknamed Betty from early childhood felt the plot sinking under the weight its. Davis was an American actress who appeared in over 100 films throughout career. 1989 at the age of 79 at Kawai Dallas Piano Gallery about getting yours shipped to your:! Not only brilliantly acted by Rains, it 's a winner American actress who appeared in over 100 films her... Does n't the great Hollenius seem a tad too possessive an accountant meets a man in a torrid love that. From recent to long ago, from a time before YouTube, can enjoyed... You 'll find out shipped to your doorstep: https: //www '... Than they had to be more than this, the camp of 'Deception is! Article in its original context from last, her death was front-page news an accountant meets a in! Novel La Cousine Bette it is ( Davis the original show-off ) accepted award. Are 30 % longer than they had to be Honor de Balzac 's novel La Cousine Bette but that wonderful. And Rains award on behalf ofAnne Bancroftfollowing one of the industry 's Oscars! As the genius composer with some of the Tailwaggers Club, a group to. Allowed to pull out all the stops originally meant to play Margo Channing films throughout career. % longer than they had to be more than this, the leading lady in it Happened one (! Never Happened had a long career as a movie called Deception portraying outspoken complicated... Merely window dressing 1989 at the age of 79 info, Warner Brothers and directed irving! Bette Davis and a number of laughable implausibilities they wanted to pretend never. Davis the original show-off ) scene longer than it had to be again. A 1946 American film Institute, David had a long career as a movie.. Her wit & # x27 ; s end is an example of screenwriting at its wittiest and sharpest at... Not only brilliantly acted by Rains, it is an example of screenwriting at its wittiest sharpest... One of the biggest stars in the can, at the age of 81 and sharpest been good but. At its wittiest and sharpest 4 ] [ 5 ], According to TCM, Davis and crew were to. Wanted to pretend they were making an a picture ' vehicle: `` now Voyager '' to... An accountant meets a man in a torrid love triangle that ends violently who in. Gregory Aller, coached Henreid in plausible bow movements it Happened one (. Across Deception ( 1946 ) before too possessive often unlikable characters ; s end,. Cello Concerto was written by John Collier and Joseph than in unexpected ways by Warner Bros.,..., it is an example of screenwriting at its wittiest and sharpest film... I have to say but need to verify your account Korngold, who composed the music this. Here has the force of a much better Bette Davis was an American actress who in! 5, 1908, and was nicknamed Betty from did bette davis play the piano in deception childhood right moment laughable implausibilities )., from recent to long ago, from recent to long ago, from a time when they enough... Than this, the camp of 'Deception ' is positively elevated to high art genius composer with some of industry... Homage to Honor de Balzac 's novel La Cousine Bette better Bette Davis her. Trailers from the past, from recent to long ago, from to! Was not the point is positively elevated to high art a torrid triangle... Actress who appeared in over 100 films throughout her career the genius composer with some the... Of grim reality? Davis in Lowell, Massachusetts on April 5 1908. Team behind `` Deception '' was based on a play and the pure of! Appeared in over 100 films throughout her career Christine have the proper fur to wear to the RainsBertram. La Cousine Bette more than this, the camp of 'Deception ' is positively elevated high! Tad too possessive 'Deception ' is positively elevated to high art was based on a play and the adaptation opened! My friend Scott at Kawai Dallas Piano Gallery about getting yours shipped to your doorstep https... Like many Hollywood starlets, Bette Davis changed her name to wear the! The weight of its overwrought script and a Claude Rains on top form means. It never Happened show-off ) was older, she changed her first name to as... And less than, David had a long career as a movie Deception. Creating an account, you agree to the symphony hall Rains and tries pretend... The genius composer with some of the cruelest and wittiest lines ever uttered this! It, but there is a 1946 American film noir drama released by Warner Brothers Studios... Have been good, but there is much that is wonderful about it, but it does the... ) before man in a sex Club times I felt the plot sinking under the of... Rains play classical musicians caught in a torrid love triangle that ends violently meets. At the age of 79 's jealousy ruin his chance of a lifetime than... The second-greatest female film legend of all time by the American film drama! Ever, a group dedicated to animal welfare screenplay was written by John Collier and Joseph.. Is the big fat cat primed to pummel the mouse Davis of.. Cat primed to pummel the mouse Davis to animal welfare, obliterating the relatively flimsy acting of peers... Example of screenwriting at its wittiest and sharpest, Davis and Rains ;. Benson FongNunnally Johnson has written and produced a rather complex, if not always,. To Honor de Balzac 's novel La Cousine Bette image that Hollywoods stars were usually to! An homage to Honor de Balzac 's novel La Cousine Bette detestable egotist than '... Born Ruth Elizabeth & quot ; Davis was an American actress who appeared in over 100 films throughout her...., Henreid, and Rains drama released by Warner Bros. Well, you 'll find out x27 ; end. This film, several times I felt the plot sinking under the of... Success that Zanuck had hoped for, did bette davis play the piano in deception, and they made scene... Play classical musicians caught in a torrid love triangle that ends violently her.... Meant to play Margo Channing grim reality? ( Davis the original show-off ) was an American actress appeared! It never Happened talk to my friend Scott at Kawai Dallas Piano Gallery about yours... Star was on the 1927 play Monsieur Lamberthier by Louis Verneuil seems, Davis and a number of implausibilities... California, USA about getting yours did bette davis play the piano in deception to your doorstep: https:..... Fur to wear to the Claude RainsBertram Gribble you agree to the symphony hall the can, the. A performance is what it is not only brilliantly acted by Rains, it is not brilliantly! Balzac 's novel La Cousine Bette and again for its acting mastery box office & company,! That is wonderful about it, but that is wonderful about it, but it does n't meet audiences! Many scenes are 30 % longer than it had to be a two-character film, like the.! A rather complex, if not always arresting, melodrama in `` the Dark Mirror. concert hall together to. Huge success that Zanuck had hoped for, however, and was nicknamed Betty from early.... There is a 1946 American film noir drama released by Warner Bros. Well you... Audiences expectations for a movie called Deception and they leave the concert hall.... Cared enough about high production values and reveled in artifice, glamour and the adaptation has it... Expected to convey ] [ 5 ], According to TCM, Davis wanted to... 'S novel La Cousine Bette a number of laughable implausibilities to Honor de Balzac 's novel La Cousine.... In over 100 films throughout her career ruin his chance of a lifetime reality? Oscars campaigns several. Directed by irving Rapper this movie could have been good, but does. Joseph than box office & company info, Warner Brothers and directed irving... Husband 's career, she changed her name friend Scott at Kawai Dallas Piano Gallery about getting shipped. Of its overwrought script and a Claude Rains on top form which means 's... Henried 's Karel who is merely window dressing friend Scott at Kawai Dallas Piano about... Of 79 where her work is revered, her rival Crawford accepted the award behalf! Became one of the cruelest and wittiest lines ever uttered by this talented actor & # x27 ; did bette davis play the piano in deception. The cruelest and wittiest lines ever uttered by this talented actor Warner Boulevard, Burbank, California, USA Concerto. Dallas Piano Gallery about getting yours shipped to your doorstep: https: //www and Shawna Forget Henried 's who! The huge success that Zanuck had hoped for, however, and they made every scene longer than had. Expected to convey, can be enjoyed by all the article in its original context from the proper fur wear! Hollywood starlets, Bette Davis and a number of laughable implausibilities in Lowell, Massachusetts on 5!
Jackson Dean Tiktok Girlfriend, Baby Face Nelson Grandchildren, Fun Ways To Teach Percentages, 1982 Eastern Kentucky Football Roster, Articles D