Jezebel Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A spoiled Southern belle wears the wrong dress, gets dumped, and then tries to win her man back by volunteering to die of yellow fever with him, because that’s how love works in the 1850s.

🍿 Jezebel: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Julie Marsden

The film introduces Julie Marsden, a headstrong and spoiled Southern belle in 1850s New Orleans. Engaged to Preston Dillard, a successful banker, Julie often disregards social conventions and Preston’s wishes, showcasing her independent spirit and impulsive nature. This often leads to conflict and tension in their relationship. Julie’s actions are driven by a desire to assert her independence and test the boundaries of her relationship. Her defiance of societal norms sets the stage for the central conflict of the movie.

The Red Dress Incident

The pivotal moment in the film occurs when Julie, feeling slighted by Preston’s absence at a dress fitting, wears a red dress to the Olympus Ball, a social event where unmarried women are expected to wear white. This act is seen as a scandalous affront to New Orleans society and deeply embarrasses Preston. The red dress becomes a symbol of Julie’s defiance and her unwillingness to conform to societal expectations. The ensuing humiliation and social ostracization lead to the breaking of her engagement with Preston.

Preston’s Return and Julie’s Regret

A year later, Preston returns to New Orleans with his new wife, Amy, a woman from the North. Julie is devastated and attempts to win him back, realizing the depth of her love and regret for her past actions. However, her efforts are complicated by the social divide between the North and South and the presence of Amy. Julie’s attempts to reconcile with Preston highlight her growth and understanding of the consequences of her earlier behavior. She is forced to confront the reality that her actions have had lasting repercussions.

Escalation and Tragedy

Driven by jealousy and a desire to reclaim Preston, Julie instigates a series of events that lead to a duel between Preston’s brother, Ted, and her former admirer, Buck Cantrell. Buck is killed in the duel, leaving Julie with a sense of guilt and responsibility for the tragedy. This forces her to confront the destructive nature of her manipulative behavior. The duel represents the culmination of Julie’s reckless actions and the devastating consequences that follow. It serves as a turning point in her character arc.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Julie Marsden (Bette Davis): A spoiled Southern belle whose impulsive actions lead to the loss of her fiancé and social standing.
• Preston Dillard (Henry Fonda): A principled banker who struggles with Julie’s defiant nature and changing times.
• Buck Cantrell (George Brent): A Southern gentleman and former suitor of Julie’s who defends her honor.
• Amy Bradford Dillard (Margaret Lindsay): Preston’s Northern wife who finds herself in conflict with Julie and Southern society.
• Aunt Belle Massey (Fay Bainter): Julie’s wise aunt who provides guidance and perspective on her behavior.
• Dr. Livingstone (Donald Crisp): A progressive doctor who fights against prejudice and ignorance during the yellow fever epidemic.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Aunt Belle: “You can’t go to the Olympus Ball in a red dress!” – Aunt Belle expresses her shock and disapproval of Julie’s scandalous choice of attire, highlighting the rigid social norms of the time.
• Julie: “I shall wear what I please.” – Julie defiantly asserts her independence and challenges societal expectations regarding women’s behavior.
• Julie: “Then you must teach me to hate him.” – Julie says it bitterly to Aunt Belle, upon learning Preston has returned with a wife, showing her vengeful intentions.
• Dr. Livingstone: “You’ve got what you wanted, Julie.” – Dr. Livingstone confronts Julie with the consequences of her actions after the duel, highlighting the destructive nature of her behavior.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $1,250,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $1,433

💥 Jezebel Reviews

Personal Review

I was captivated by Bette Davis’s performance in ‘Jezebel.’ She perfectly embodies the stubbornness and pride of Julie Marsden. The scene where she wears the red dress to the ball is iconic, and you can feel the tension in the room. The ending, although abrupt, leaves you contemplating Julie’s ultimate sacrifice. It’s a powerful portrayal of a woman trying to find redemption in a world that judges her harshly.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic Hollywood cinema”
  • “Admirers of Bette Davis”
  • “Viewers interested in historical dramas”
  • “Those who enjoy stories of strong female characters”
  • “Lovers of dramatic romances”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Depictions of slavery (may be offensive to modern audiences)”
  • “Themes of social ostracization”
  • “Mild violence (duels)”
  • “Discussion of disease (yellow fever)”
  • “Period-typical attitudes”

Professional Reviews

• Classic Movie Review: “Bette Davis shines as the defiant Julie Marsden, a role that earned her an Oscar. The film masterfully captures the atmosphere of the antebellum South, although the depiction of slavery is dated. Despite its historical inaccuracies, Davis’s performance and William Wyler’s direction make it a must-see for classic film enthusiasts.
• Historical Melodrama: “While ‘Jezebel’ might pale in comparison to ‘Gone With the Wind’ in terms of epic scope, it delivers a compelling character study. Bette Davis’s performance is mesmerizing, portraying a complex woman who is both flawed and sympathetic. The film’s exploration of societal constraints and personal redemption is thought-provoking.
• Southern Discomfort: “Director William Wyler and Bette Davis create something special, giving the film a genuine southern flavor and period feel. The acting is superb all around. This is certainly one of Bette Davis’ best and most memorable performances and it helped secure her place in movie history as one of Hollywood’s greatest stars.

Audience Reactions

Bette Davis’s acting is phenomenal, especially her expressive eyes that convey a wide range of emotions.: Viewers appreciate Bette Davis’s portrayal of a flawed yet compelling female character and the film’s overall atmosphere of the Old South.

The red dress scene at the ball is a standout moment, showcasing Julie’s defiance and the strict societal norms of the time.: The cinematography in black and white is beautiful, adding an extra layer of class and drama to the film.

Overall Consensus: Bette Davis delivers a tour-de-force performance in ‘Jezebel,’ a classic melodrama that explores themes of pride, redemption, and societal constraints in the antebellum South. While the film’s depiction of slavery is dated, Davis’s acting and William Wyler’s direction make it a worthwhile watch for fans of classic cinema.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Actress)- 1939
2. Academy Award (Best Supporting Actress)- 1939

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Bette Davis reportedly wanted the lead role in ‘Gone With the Wind’ but turned it down after Warner Bros. insisted that Errol Flynn co-star as Rhett Butler. ‘Jezebel’ became a substitute for her.”
• “The famous ‘red’ dress was actually black satin. Red fabric didn’t photograph well in black and white, so black was used to create the necessary contrast.”
• “William Wyler and Bette Davis had a romantic relationship during filming, which added intensity to their professional collaboration.”

🖥️ How to Watch Jezebel?

Jezebel is available for purchase or rental on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video. It is not currently available on subscription-based streaming services. Check local listings for potential television airings.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Jezebel, you might like these similar films:

• Gone With the Wind (1939): Both films are sweeping historical romances set in the antebellum South, featuring strong-willed female protagonists and exploring themes of love, loss, and societal upheaval.
• The Little Foxes (1941): Another Bette Davis film directed by William Wyler, this explores themes of family conflict, greed, and social change in the South, though with a darker and more cynical tone.
• The Heiress (1949): Features a strong-willed, independent female character navigating societal expectations and romantic disappointments in a bygone era, emphasizing the consequences of pride and stubbornness.
• Dangerous Liaisons (1988): Explores themes of manipulation, societal games, and the destructive power of unchecked desires, albeit in a different historical setting and with a darker tone.

🛒 Jezebel Related Products

• Bette Davis Signature Collection (DVD): A collection of Bette Davis’s most iconic films, including ‘Jezebel,’ showcasing her remarkable talent and versatility. Perfect for fans who want to explore her filmography.
• Antebellum Southern Belle Costume: Recreate the elegance of the 1850s with this meticulously designed Southern belle costume. Includes a flowing dress, hoop skirt, and accessories, inspired by the fashions in ‘Jezebel.’
• Gone With the Wind (Blu-ray): Another movie based in the South, this movie should be watched together with Gone With The Wind as a view of southern society.
• Jezebel Movie Poster: Showcase your love for classic cinema with this vintage-style ‘Jezebel’ movie poster. A high-quality print capturing the iconic image of Bette Davis as Julie Marsden.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Raise a Ruckus” – performed by Traditional (Sung by Bette Davis and Servants)
• “Main Theme (Jezebel)” – performed by Max Steiner

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

🤨 FAQ

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