All This, And Heaven Too (1940)
Bette Davis Charles Boyer Jeffrey Lynn Barbara O’Neil
Virginia Weidler June Lockhart Ann E. Todd Richard Nichols
When the governess, Henriette Deluzy-Desportes (Bette Davis) arrives at the home of the Duc de Praslin (Charles Boyer) and Duchesse de Praslin (Barbara O’Neil), their marriage is already deeply troubled. The Duchesse is irrational, mentally ill and immediately jealous of Henriette. She incurs the wrath of the Duchesse again and again. Henriette bonds with the children and loves them as her own. When little Reynald (Richard Nicols) becomes seriously ill, the governess saves his life. The Duc is forever grateful to her, however, the Duchesse continues to be filled with wrath toward Henriette. Eventually, the Duchesse believes Henriette is the Duc’s mistress and fires her. Tragedy strikes the family and Henriette faces the hardest time of her life.
This is a good movie, however, the story is tragic. Henriette is a warm-hearted person and she loves children. However, the Duchesse is horrible and neglects her children, while suffocating the Duc. Before she is fired, Henriette is in a difficult position, to say the least. She’s between a rock and a hard place. She wants to leave her position, but she loves the children and has bonded with them. After tragedy strikes the family, Henriette has one friend, Henry (Jeffrey Lynn). He is a new minister. At the beginning of the film, he meets her while she is traveling to the Duc’s home to become the governess. The ending of the film was sweet.
Enjoy!
Sounds good
Hi SaaniaSparkle. It’s nice to meet you. 🙂
I agree–the ending is sweet.
An important theme in this film is if you want to find heaven on Earth you must go through hell to get there.
btw; If you are interested, I wrote a short essay on this film (500 words). I’m open to any feedback: https://christopherjohnlindsay.com/2020/04/25/all-this-and-heaven-too/
Great essay of the film. 🙂
Thank you, Kathy. Feel free to post a comment on my page with a link back to your review.
You should have the link on your blog. If not, let me know. It’s nice to meet you and thanks for the follow. 🙂
Yes, I approved the link.