All This, and Heaven Too Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Governess gets hired, jealous wife flips out, somebody ends up very dead, France has a revolution, but mostly it’s about really intense unrequited glances.

🍿 All This, and Heaven Too: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Henriette’s Arrival and the Duchess’s Jealousy

The film begins with Henriette Deluzy-Desportes (Bette Davis), a new teacher at a girls’ school in America, facing the whispers of scandal from her past. She decides to tell her students the story of her life as a governess in 19th-century France. Henriette arrives at the household of the Duc de Praslin (Charles Boyer) to care for his children. The Duchesse de Praslin (Barbara O’Neil), a volatile and jealous woman, instantly dislikes Henriette. The duchess’s animosity grows as Henriette bonds with the children and the duke finds solace in her company, creating a tense and uncomfortable atmosphere within the household.

Growing Affection and Mounting Tension

Henriette’s presence brings happiness and stability to the children’s lives, something the duchess is incapable of providing. The duke, trapped in a loveless marriage, finds himself drawn to Henriette’s kindness and intelligence. Despite their growing affection, Henriette and the duke maintain a respectful distance, never acting on their feelings. The duchess’s jealousy intensifies, leading to increasingly erratic behavior. She makes accusations, attempts to undermine Henriette’s position, and creates a hostile environment for everyone in the household. The situation escalates, pushing the family towards a tragic breaking point.

Tragedy Strikes

The duchess is found murdered, and suspicion immediately falls on the duke. Henriette is also implicated due to the scandalous rumors surrounding their relationship. Both are arrested and face public scrutiny. The duke maintains his innocence but is ultimately unable to withstand the pressure and takes his own life while in custody. Henriette is eventually exonerated due to lack of evidence, but her reputation is ruined. She leaves France and seeks a new life in America, carrying the weight of the tragedy with her.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Henriette Deluzy-Desportes (Bette Davis): A virtuous governess who becomes entangled in a scandalous love triangle and a tragic crime.
• Duc de Praslin (Charles Boyer): A debonair duke trapped in a loveless marriage who develops feelings for his children’s governess.
• Duchesse de Praslin (Barbara O’Neil): The volatile and obsessive wife of the Duke, consumed by jealousy and suspicion.
• Henry Martyn Field (Jeffrey Lynn): A minister and friend who provides support and guidance to Henriette during the unfolding tragedy.
• Louise de Praslin (Virginia Weidler): One of the Duke and Duchess’s children, who forms a close bond with Henriette.
• Isabelle de Praslin (June Lockhart): Another of the Duke and Duchess’s daughters who is endeared by her governess Henriette.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Duc de Praslin: “Why are you smiling? May I share whatever pleases you so?” – The Duke inquires about Henriette’s happiness, initiating a connection between them.
• Henriette Deluzy-Desportes: “You will think I am very silly, I’m afraid, but standing here like this with the snow falling reminds of something I used to know.” – Henriette shares a personal memory prompted by the snowfall, revealing her gentle nature.
• Duc de Praslin: “Oh yes, I know, with a snow scene inside. We had a paperweight on a desk at home like that. You shook it and the snow whirled around out from nowhere in a blinding storm.” – The Duke relates to Henriette’s memory, strengthening their bond through shared nostalgia.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $1,370,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 All This, and Heaven Too Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so this movie totally pulled me in! I was expecting Bette Davis to be all fire and brimstone, but she’s so subtle and vulnerable here. The way she looks at Charles Boyer? Heartbreaking. And Barbara O’Neil? She’s terrifying! It’s like a slow-motion train wreck, you know it’s going to end badly, but you can’t look away. I will be watching this again!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic Hollywood melodramas.”
  • “Viewers interested in historical dramas with tragic romances.”
  • “Admirers of Bette Davis and Charles Boyer’s acting.”
  • “Audiences who appreciate films with strong female characters and themes of societal judgment.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Deals with themes of murder and suicide.”
  • “Contains depictions of emotional distress and psychological manipulation.”
  • “May be disturbing for viewers sensitive to themes of domestic violence.”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A meticulously crafted period drama. Davis delivers a performance of subtle depth, while Boyer exudes a world-weary charm. O’Neil’s portrayal of the tormented Duchess is nothing short of captivating. A movie that will draw tears.
• The New York Times: “Bette Davis showcases her versatility. The movie has a richness of detail that keeps you engaged, even if it meanders. Barbara O’Neil’s performance deserves high praise for her raw emotion.
• Film critic: “I agree with the above reviews. Though a long watch, the film is enjoyable. Charles Boyer is at his best and Bette Davis performance, not what you would expect, is impressive and adds another layer to this well-acted film.

Audience Reactions

Barbara O’Neil’s portrayal of the Duchesse is haunting and unforgettable.: Viewers consistently praise the performances, direction, and costumes and that they draw you into the world and make you care for the characters.

Bette Davis shines as a governess that the children feel drawn to and love.: Bette Davis did a stellar job with the film.

Overall Consensus: A well-acted and beautifully crafted period drama. It may be a bit slow for some, but the performances, especially those of Davis, Boyer, and O’Neil, make it a compelling watch. The costumes and setting are also top-notch.

Awards

1. National Board of Review (Top Ten Films)- 1940

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Based on the novel by Rachel Field, which in turn was based on the real-life scandal involving Henriette Deluzy-Desportes and the Duc de Praslin in 19th-century France.”
• “June Lockhart’s first credited role. Out of the four child actors, she was the only one to continue acting into adulthood.”
• “The film’s pro-Deluzy-Desportes slant reflects the novel’s perspective, as Rachel Field was a descendant of Deluzy-Desportes and her later husband, Rev. Martyn Field.”
• “Barbara O’Neil received an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of the Duchesse de Praslin, showcasing her versatility after playing Scarlett O’Hara’s mother in “Gone With the Wind” the previous year.”

🖥️ How to Watch All This, and Heaven Too?

As a classic film, “All This, and Heaven Too” can often be found on streaming services that offer a rotating selection of older movies, such as HBO Max or The Criterion Channel. Check listings on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, or Google Play Movies to see if it’s available for rent or purchase. Also, keep an eye out for it on classic movie channels or platforms specializing in vintage cinema.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed All This, and Heaven Too, you might like these similar films:

• Jane Eyre (1943): Both films feature a governess in a large estate, dealing with complex family dynamics and forbidden love.
• Rebecca (1940): Features a young woman entering a grand household overshadowed by the past, similar themes of jealousy and secrets.
• Gaslight (1944): Explores themes of psychological manipulation and a woman’s sanity being questioned, similar to the treatment of Henriette and the Duchesse.
• The Portrait of a Lady (1996): A young American woman inherits a large fortune and subsequently becomes the victim of machinations by her husband and a longtime acquaintance.

🛒 All This, and Heaven Too Related Products

• All This, and Heaven Too [Blu-ray]: Experience this classic Bette Davis film in stunning high definition. This edition includes restored visuals and audio, offering a crisp viewing experience.
• The Complete Bette Davis Collection, Vol. 1: Includes ‘All This, and Heaven Too’ along with many of her other classic films. Enjoy hours of unforgettable performances.
• Bette Davis: A Biography: Delve into the life and career of Bette Davis, one of Hollywood’s most iconic actresses. Learn about her struggles, triumphs, and the stories behind her most memorable roles.
• All This, and Heaven Too [Original novel by Rachel Field]: The novel the classic film was based on. Experience the richness of the story in original form

🎧 Soundtrack

All This, and Heaven Too features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The War of the Roses” – performed by M.K. Jerome & Jack Scholl
• “Main Title” – performed by Max Steiner

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

🤨 FAQ

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