The Women Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Rich ladies with fabulous hats gossip, divorce, and steal each other’s husbands, all without a single man ever showing up, making you wonder if they’re just fighting over imaginary boyfriends.

🍿 The Women: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Affairs and Gossip

Mary Haines, a wealthy and happy wife, is oblivious to her husband Stephen’s affair with Crystal Allen, a perfume counter saleswoman. News of the affair spreads like wildfire through New York society, fueled by the gossipy Sylvia Fowler and Edith Potter. Sylvia ensures Mary hears the rumors, setting in motion a series of events that will change Mary’s life.

Reno and Divorce

Ignoring her mother’s advice to overlook the affair, Mary travels to Reno to obtain a divorce. On the train, she meets the Countess De Lave and Miriam Aarons, women with their own romantic entanglements. At a Reno dude ranch run by Lucy, Mary encounters Sylvia, who is also seeking a divorce, and a heated catfight ensues.

New Marriages and Affairs

After the divorce, Stephen marries Crystal, but their marriage is unhappy. Crystal begins an affair with Buck Winston, who is married to the Countess De Lave. Mary learns about the new affairs and decides to take action, setting the stage for a dramatic confrontation.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Mrs. Stephen Haines (Mary) (Norma Shearer): Mary Haines is a wealthy and initially naive socialite whose marriage is threatened by infidelity but ultimately fights to reclaim her husband.
• Crystal Allen (Joan Crawford): Crystal Allen is an ambitious, calculating shopgirl who schemes to marry into wealth, becoming the antagonist in Mary’s life.
• Mrs. Howard Fowler (Sylvia) (Rosalind Russell): Sylvia Fowler is a gossipy and meddling friend of Mary, whose own marital troubles are exposed amidst the social drama.
• The Countess De Lave (Flora) (Mary Boland): The Countess De Lave is an eccentric, frequently divorced woman who offers a humorous perspective on marriage and relationships.
• Miriam Aarons (Paulette Goddard): Miriam Aarons is a worldly chorus girl involved in multiple affairs, offering practical advice and a contrasting viewpoint to the socialites.
• Mrs. Morehead (Lucile Watson): Mrs. Morehead is Mary’s wise and traditional mother who provides counsel based on her own experiences and values.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Crystal Allen: “There’s a name for you ladies, but it isn’t used in high society… outside of a kennel. So long, ladies!” – Crystal delivers this cutting remark as she exits, leaving the other women speechless after a confrontation.
• The Countess De Lave: “L’amour, l’amour!” – The Countess frequently exclaims this, encapsulating her flamboyant and often ironic view of love and marriage as she goes through multiple divorces.
• Mary Haines: “I’ve had two years to grow claws, Mother, and they’re Jungle Red!” – Mary says this to her mother, signifying her transformation from a naive wife to a woman ready to fight for her marriage.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $1,688,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $16,161

💥 The Women Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved ‘The Women’! The dialogue is so sharp and witty, and the performances are incredible. Seeing Norma Shearer and Joan Crawford on screen together is just amazing! Rosalind Russell steals every scene she’s in. The cat fight between Rosalind Russell and Paulette Goddard? Hilarious! It made me think about how female friendships can be complicated, but also so important. Seeing them navigate love, divorce, and everything in between, was totally gripping. Definitely a new favorite!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic Hollywood cinema”
  • “Viewers interested in films with strong female characters”
  • “Those who appreciate witty dialogue and social commentary”
  • “People looking for movies about relationships and infidelity”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Depictions of gossip and catty behavior”
  • “Themes of infidelity and divorce”
  • “Some dated attitudes towards women and marriage”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A wickedly funny, fast-paced satire of 1930s high society women, ‘The Women’ boasts a stellar all-female cast delivering memorable performances. Cukor’s direction keeps the energy high, though the stage origins are apparent. A true classic that remains surprisingly relevant.
• The New York Times: “‘The Women’ is a sharp-tongued, brilliantly acted comedy that exposes the superficiality and competitiveness of its characters. Crawford and Russell are standouts, adding layers of depth to what could have been stock roles. A fascinating, if somewhat cynical, look at female relationships.
• Time Out: “George Cukor elicits wonderful performances from his all-female cast in this adaptation of Clare Boothe Luce’s play. While some may find the characters’ preoccupations shallow, the film is undeniably entertaining, filled with wit and style. The iconic fashion show scene is a particular highlight.

Audience Reactions

The rapid-fire dialogue and witty banter are endlessly quotable.: Viewers consistently praise the clever script and comedic timing.

Rosalind Russell’s performance is a scene-stealer, with many citing her portrayal as the best in the film.: Fans highlight Russell’s comedic delivery and physical comedy as unforgettable.

The all-female cast is a unique and refreshing concept that still resonates with audiences today.: Many appreciate the film’s focus on female relationships and experiences.

Overall Consensus: ‘The Women’ remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its sharp wit, stellar performances, and unique all-female cast.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “There are more than 130 roles in this movie, all played by women; no male actors appear on screen.”
• “The opening credits cleverly use animal images to represent each actress’s character.”
• “Director George Cukor was known as a ‘woman’s director’ due to his ability to elicit strong performances from female actors.”
• “A fashion show sequence, originally disliked by director George Cukor, was filmed in Technicolor as a special feature.”
• “Phyllis Povah, Marjorie Main, Mary Cecil and Marjorie Wood originated their roles in the play, which opened September 7, 1937, and had 666 performances at New York City’s Ethel Barrymore Theatre.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Women?

The Women (1939) is available for purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check your local listings for potential streaming options, as availability may vary. Several online retailers may also offer DVD copies of the film.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Women, you might like these similar films:

• All About Eve (1950): A sharp, witty film exploring the dynamics of female ambition and rivalry in the world of theater, similar to the social dynamics in ‘The Women’.
• How to Marry a Millionaire (1953): A comedy about women scheming to find wealthy husbands, mirroring the gold-digging aspect of Crystal Allen’s character.
• First Wives Club (1996): A modern comedy about divorced women seeking revenge on their ex-husbands, sharing the theme of female solidarity and empowerment after betrayal.
• Designing Women (1986-1993): A TV series that features intelligent and witty dialogue between a group of women running a design firm in Atlanta, similar to the sharp wit in ‘The Women’
• 9 to 5 (1980): A comedy that focuses on female empowerment in the workplace as three female employees conspire to turn the tables on their sexist, lying, hypocritical boss, sharing the theme of female solidarity and empowerment .

🛒 The Women Related Products

• The Women (1939) – Classic Movie Poster: A high-quality reproduction poster of ‘The Women’ (1939), capturing the film’s iconic imagery and vintage aesthetic. This collector’s item is perfect for fans of classic Hollywood cinema.
• 1930s Women’s Fashion: A Style Guide: Explore the glamorous world of 1930s fashion with this comprehensive guide. It features the clothing, accessories, and beauty trends inspired by ‘The Women’, and how to replicate the sophisticated looks.
• Jungle Red Nail Polish – Inspired by ‘The Women’: A vibrant, classic red nail polish color, inspired by the iconic line from the movie. This high-quality polish offers long-lasting wear and a touch of vintage glamour.
• The Complete Clare Boothe Luce Plays: A collection of plays by Clare Boothe Luce, including ‘The Women’, provides a deeper understanding of her sharp wit and insightful commentary on society and gender relations of the time.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Forevermore” – performed by Edward Ward, Chet Forrest, Bob Wright

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

How Women Are Written In Sci-Fi Movies

Ever notice how female characters in sci-fi movies sometimes feel a bit… one-dimensional? This hilarious sketch nails it! You’ve gotta see this, it’s so true and funny.

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