MINI REVIEW:
JEZEBEL (1938)
STARRING: BETTE DAVIS, HENRY FONDA, and FAY BAINTER
DIRECTED BY: WILLIAM WYLER

I can't watch a William Wyler movie and NOT review it. He's one of my favorite directors of all time and his catalogue is next to none. This movie is not one of his best movies but it is undoubtedly the one that made Bette Davis a formidable screen presence. It is no wonder that she was so requested for the part of Scarlett O'Hara after having puleed this off since she too portrays a spoiled, rebellious southern belle named Julie. The costumes and supporting performances are also impressive in this simple little predecessor of Gone With The Wind. Though this film will never live up to that one's historicity, it carries alot of weight on it's own and is worth watching if for no other reason than to revel in the power of Bette's oscar winning role. Her somewhat surprising transformation, from the daring and impulsive flirt that dared to wear red to the Liberty Ball into the strong and self sacrificing lady she becomes, is a joy to behold.

My rating: 8/10