Cast
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Ida Lupino
as Emily Brontë
Paul Henreid
as Rev. Arthur Nicholls
Olivia de Havilland
as Charlotte Brontë
Sydney Greenstreet
as William Makepeace Thackeray
Nancy Coleman
as Anne Brontë
Arthur Kennedy
as Branwell Brontë
May Whitty
as Lady Thornton
Victor Francen
as Constantin Heger
Montagu Love
as Rev. Brontë
Ethel Griffies
as Aunt Elizabeth Branwell
Hartney J. Arthur
as Man (uncredited)
Billy Bevan
as Mr. Ames (uncredited)
Edmund Breon
as Sir John Thornton (uncredited)
Tanis Chandler
as French Student (uncredited)
Micheline Cheirel
as Mademoiselle Blanche (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Curtis Bernhardt
Producer
- Robert Buckner
Reviews
CinemaSerf
Based (very) loosely on real events, this is quite an entertaining tale of two strong willed Brontë women - Charlotte (Olivia de Havilland) and Emily (Ida Lupino) and of their enthusiasm for local curate "Nicholls" (the rather decent but insipid Paul Henreid) and for getting their wonderfully imaginative stories published. In that aspiration, they are joined by their sister Anne (Nancy Coleman) and all of this takes place as they must try and save their artist brother Bramwell (Arthur Kennedy) from a future at the bottom of a bottle. The cast and the writing deliver an engaging and authentic tale of family, a strong and close family that found itself struggling to satisfy the needs of its constituents - and as with many films set around this period, it demonstrates just how difficult it was for a woman to be given the opportunity to do just about anything that did not fit with her marital duties. There are a couple of scenes stolen by the avuncular Sydney Greenstreet's portrayal of William Makepeace Thackerey - whose "Vanity Fair" was contemporary with this timeframe - and by the end I felt I understood a little more of the complexities of this family and of the times. Well worth a watch.
Jul 7, 2022
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Devotion 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 Curtis Bernhardt 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 1946, 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 Devotion took approximately 26 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 107 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 150 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 41 unique compositions.
- The screenplay went through 12 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The costume department created over 351 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1946, when this film was released:
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Devotion shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Saina, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Devotion offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Dreams of Love and American Splendor explore similar territory, Devotion stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: April 5, 1946
- Runtime: 1h 47m
