Now, Voyager Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A woman goes to a fancy spa, gets hot, steals another woman’s man, and then adopts his daughter because ethics are for losers.

🍿 Now, Voyager: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Charlotte Vale

Charlotte Vale, played by Bette Davis, is a repressed and unhappy spinster living under the control of her domineering mother, Mrs. Henry Vale, in Boston. She is presented as unattractive, socially awkward, and suffering from low self-esteem due to her mother’s constant criticism and emotional abuse. Charlotte’s life is bleak and devoid of joy, with little prospect of change.

Transformation at the Sanatorium

Concerned about Charlotte’s well-being, her sister-in-law arranges for her to meet Dr. Jaquith, a psychiatrist who recommends she spend time at his sanatorium. Under Dr. Jaquith’s care, Charlotte undergoes a significant transformation. She loses weight, improves her appearance, and gains confidence. She begins to discover her own identity and develop a sense of self-worth, leading to a newfound independence.

Romance on a South American Cruise

After leaving the sanatorium, Charlotte embarks on a cruise to South America, where she meets Jeremiah ‘Jerry’ Durrance, a married architect. They form a deep connection and fall in love, sharing a passionate but ultimately impossible romance. Their relationship is complicated by Jerry’s marital status and responsibilities, forcing them to confront difficult choices and accept the limitations of their love.

Confronting the Mother and its Aftermath

Upon returning home, Charlotte confronts her mother, asserting her newfound independence. This leads to a heated argument during which Mrs. Vale suffers a fatal heart attack. Charlotte is consumed by guilt over her mother’s death, despite the years of emotional abuse she endured. She feels responsible and struggles to reconcile her newfound freedom with the tragic consequences.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Charlotte Vale (Bette Davis): A repressed spinster who transforms into a confident woman after therapy and finds a complicated love.
• Jeremiah (Jerry) Durrance (Paul Henreid): A married architect who engages in an affair with Charlotte, leading to a bittersweet connection.
• Mrs. Henry Vale (Gladys Cooper): Charlotte’s domineering and emotionally abusive mother, who controls her life for many years.
• Dr. Jaquith (Claude Rains): The compassionate psychiatrist who helps Charlotte overcome her repression and gain independence.
• Tina Durrance (Janis Wilson): Jerry’s emotionally neglected daughter, who finds solace and a mother figure in Charlotte.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Charlotte Vale: “Oh, Jerry, don’t let’s ask for the moon. We have the stars.” – Charlotte says this to Jerry at the end of the film, accepting their unconventional relationship and the love they can share despite not being able to be together fully.
• Dr. Jaquith: “Why should you care what people say? If you want to be free, you’ve got to ignore them.” – Dr. Jaquith encourages Charlotte to disregard societal expectations and pursue her own happiness.
• Mrs. Henry Vale: “You didn’t want me to be born!…It’s been nothing but a calamity on both sides.” – In a moment of raw emotion, Charlotte confronts her mother with the pain her control has caused, revealing the deep-seated resentment from both sides.
• Charlotte Vale: “I’m not afraid, Mother. I’m not afraid!” – Charlotte defies her mother’s threat, realizing her newfound independence and strength.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $1,159,000
• Domestic Gross: $2,444,000
• Worldwide Gross: $10,390

💥 Now, Voyager Reviews

Personal Review

Oh, I absolutely adore ‘Now, Voyager’! It’s a classic for a reason. Bette Davis is phenomenal. I get chills every time I see her transformation from a frumpy, downtrodden woman to a confident and beautiful person. The scene where she stands up to her mother for the first time? Goosebumps! And the ending, with the famous line about the stars? Perfect. It’s a tearjerker, but in the best way possible, and I ALWAYS cry. It reminds me to embrace change and that it’s never too late to find happiness.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic Hollywood melodrama”
  • “Viewers interested in stories of female empowerment”
  • “Those who appreciate Bette Davis’s acting”
  • “Individuals who enjoy stories about self-discovery and transformation”
  • “Lovers of romantic dramas with complex relationships”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Emotional abuse”
  • “Themes of suicide”
  • “Adult themes”
  • “Smoking”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Bette Davis delivers a tour-de-force performance in this classic melodrama. The story is engaging, and the film’s emotional impact is undeniable. Davis shines as she navigates her character’s transformation and complex relationships. A must-see for fans of classic cinema.
• Variety: “”Now, Voyager” is a finely crafted ‘women’s picture’ that showcases the talents of Bette Davis. Irving Rapper’s direction is solid, and the supporting cast complements Davis’s performance well. The film’s exploration of personal growth and sacrifice resonates, despite its melodramatic elements.

Audience Reactions

Bette Davis’s acting is superb and gives a memorable performance that captures the hearts of many viewers.: People widely commend the remarkable transformative story and emotional resonance of the movie.

The cinematography creates a sense of old Hollywood glamour and a compelling atmosphere.: Max Steiner’s emotional and powerful score adds depth and emotion to every scene.

Overall Consensus: A timeless classic praised for its compelling story, Davis’s performance, and its emotional depth.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Music, Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture)- 1943

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Bette Davis had to fight the studio for the role of Charlotte Vale, as they initially wanted Irene Dunne or Ginger Rogers for the part.”
• “The iconic scene of Paul Henreid lighting two cigarettes at once was an improvisation by him and Bette Davis, based on something he used to do with his wife, as the original scripted cigarette exchange was awkward.”
• “Max Steiner won an Oscar for his musical score, which is considered one of his best.”

🖥️ How to Watch Now, Voyager?

Now, Voyager is available to rent or purchase on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check local listings for television broadcasts. Consider purchasing the DVD or Blu-ray for the best viewing experience and bonus features.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Now, Voyager, you might like these similar films:

• Stella Dallas (1937): A classic melodrama about a mother’s sacrifices for her daughter’s happiness, reflecting similar themes of maternal love and societal expectations.
• Mrs. Miniver (1942): Another popular melodrama from the same era, exploring themes of sacrifice and resilience during wartime, with a focus on a strong female lead.
• Autumn Sonata (1978): A poignant drama delving into the complex and often strained relationship between a mother and daughter, echoing the central conflict in ‘Now, Voyager’ but with a more Bergmanesque intensity.
• Shirley Valentine (1989): Tells the story of a middle-aged housewife who rediscovers herself on vacation, similar to Charlotte Vale’s journey of self-discovery.

🛒 Now, Voyager Related Products

• Now, Voyager (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: A beautifully restored edition of the film, with insightful essays and behind-the-scenes content. Perfect for cinephiles.
• Bette Davis: The Signature Collection, Vol. 1 (DVD): A collection featuring some of Bette Davis’s greatest roles, including “Now, Voyager,” for hours of entertainment.
• Now, Voyager Movie Poster Print: A high-quality poster print of the film’s original artwork. A stylish addition to any movie fan’s collection.
• Walt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass (Book): The book of poetry containing the poem that inspires Charlotte to take charge of her life.

🎧 Soundtrack

Now, Voyager features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Title” – performed by Max Steiner
• “Voyager’s Theme” – performed by Max Steiner
• “Night and Day” – performed by Cole Porter

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

CLASSIC MOVIE REVIEW: Bette Davis in NOW, VOYAGER from STEVE HAYES: Tired Old Queen at the Movies

Want to dive deeper into ‘Now, Voyager’? Steve Hayes breaks down Bette Davis’ performance and the film’s romantic themes in this insightful review. It’s like having a film expert give you the inside scoop, and I personally found his points about Davis’ character development super interesting!

Bette Davis ~ Don’t Let’s Ask For The Moon(Now Voyager 1942)

Ever wanted to see that iconic ‘cigarette scene’ from ‘Now, Voyager’ in all its glory? This clip captures the raw emotion between Bette Davis and Paul Henreid perfectly. I’ve watched it a million times and still get chills – it’s pure cinematic magic!

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