PodBill
Just what I expected
Spidersecu
Don't Believe the Hype
Fuzzy Wuzzy
Movie quote - "No man's born for marriage - He has to be trained."Released in 1950 - This fairly engaging, melodramatic vehicle stars Joan Crawford as the ultimate "Stepford" wife, a neurotic, nagging perfectionist who inevitably short circuits. And when Harriet short circuits, sparks (and vicious accusations) fly this way and that."Harriet Craig" is most certainly a very well-crafted soap opera of sorts that, due to the dead seriousness of its situations (and depending on how one views them), quickly becomes quite an enjoyable parody of itself. This, of course, allows the viewer plenty of opportunity to laugh out loud at the utter foolishness of Harriet's demanding relationships with those around her.Two of the highlights that take place in the course of this film's intriguing story-line are - (1) Much to her relief, Harriet learns from the professionals that mental illness is not necessarily hereditary - (2) Harriet goes to her husband's employer (behind his back) and out of complete, narrow-minded selfishness, attempts to ruin his golden opportunity for a prized promotion.Harriet Craig was adapted for the screen from the 1925 Pulitzer Prize-winning play "Craig's Wife" which was written by George Kelly.Filmed in glossy b&w, this picture was directed by Vincent Sherman whose other films from that era include - Backfire, The Damned Don't Cry and The Young Philadelphians.
Robert J. Maxwell
What a movie, starring Joan Crawford at her most imperious. She demands everything in her house, including her servants, her relatives, and her good-natured husband, Wendell Corey, who barely escapes becoming Richard Cory, be exactly the way she wants it. Crawford is She Who Must Be Obeyed. She's devious. She lies to everyone shamelessly, blasphemously. She browbeats subordinates. She's as convincing as a psychopath. I would have laughed all the way through but my mirth was subdued by the activation of latent memories of my own marriage. Crawford is perfect in the part. She was at an age at which she was given dark eyebrows the width of a highway dividing line and a severe hair do that brought out the chrome steel of her unforgiving features. It's her best performance, although not in the way she or director Vincent Sherman intended.I wonder if it would ever have been made if "Leave Her To Heaven", a much more subtle film, hadn't been such a success. And I think Crawford's performance here may have been the dam that begat "Mommie Dearest." In these kinds of movies, Crawford was always either the victim of spite and contempt, as in "Mildred Pierce", or the purveyor of it. She purveys it magnificently.
PudgyPandaMan
" Wives may be a little extra trouble now and then, but they're mighty handy gadgets to have around the house." This movie is like a time capsule of the late 1940's and 50's. There are definite stereotypes about the roles of men and women from that period - like a woman's place is in the home, etc. Some will find this very dated and annoying - but I often enjoy seeing glimpses into past periods in American history, even if I don't necessarily agree with it.There is not a lot of depth to this movie in the classic soap tradition. But there is good character development in the sense that you know everyone's personalities. Joan is the controlling, manipulative wife trying to climb the social ladder. Correy plays the wimpy husband who lets his wife control him and everything in his life... Until she finally goes to far. Its good to see Mrs. Craig get what's coming to her in the end.Joan's costumes are beautiful and extravagant. But I hated the hairdo she has in most of the picture - very much like "helmet-hair". Its all stuck very close to her head and gives her profile shots an unflattering shape. Perhaps they're trying to give her an overly masculine look to match her domineering personality. I'm not a huge fan Of Crawford. I find most of her work overly theatric and stiff. This carries over here as well. There is one exception: when she relives the day her father left the family. She shows natural and genuine human emotion and pain in that scene, without all the campiness for which she is known.If you don't like melodrama or soap opera style films, stay away from this one. If you want a glimpse into 1950's stereotypes, watch this. Also, for those familiar with Crawford personal life and "Mommie Dearest", this role perhaps best captures that side of Joan - controlling, manipulative, unforgiving, and without an ounce of warmth in her whole body.
MarieGabrielle
This film seems tailor-made for Ms. Crawford and her persona. A controlling housewife, Harriet Craig, she controls all of her husband's life, (portrayed well by a kind-hearted Wendell Corey), who you may also recognize as the long suffering husband in "No Sad Songs for Me".Harriet is a desperate housewife, whose own father abandoned her. Her mission in life is order and control, of the house, her husband, and his career. She refuses to have children, and conceals this from her husband ( unheard of in 1950!).Crawford looks lovely, is a beautiful woman, but people have problems relating to her. She is not an accepting person. Eventually her scheming and attempt to thwart Corey's trip to Japan disgusts him, and he decides he can carry on his life in a more normal manner with someone, anyone else.Crawford and her hauteur are classic, there are some small scenes which are almost amusing as she obsesses about a vase, and scolds a young neighbor boy. Overall a do not miss. 9/10.
