Cast
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Virginia Bruce
as Maris Kent
Herbert Marshall
as Stephen Holland
Mary Astor
as Cynthia Holland
Janet Beecher
as Mrs. Holland
Marjorie Rambeau
as Mrs. Kingsley
Juanita Quigley
as Ellen
Zeffie Tilbury
as Grandma
Sarah Padden
as Dora
Joseph Crehan
as Sen. Kingsley
Morgan Wallace
as Morton
Dorothy Christy
as Mrs. Morton
Betty Ross Clarke
as Alice
Barbara Bedford
as Nurse Sherwood
Marie Blake
as Miss Van Horn - Ellen's New Nursemaid
Ralph Brooks
as Court Witness
Crew
Director
- Robert B. Sinclair
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Woman Against Woman examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Robert B. Sinclair brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1938, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Woman Against Woman took approximately 23 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 61 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 81 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
- The screenplay went through 15 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1938, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Woman Against Woman shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Dancer in the Dark, which focuses more on action than character development, Woman Against Woman subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Mrs. Doubtfire and Blue Velvet explore similar territory, Woman Against Woman stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: June 24, 1938
- Runtime: 1h 1m
