Winter Meeting (1948)

The Age of Commercialism

Simply A Masterpiece

As Good As It Gets

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

First off you get Betty Davis who can deliver films up like a chocolate treat. Then the story is one to ponder and takes its place in the genre as part of lifes big picture and our personal journeys along the way. Two people meet and instead of selfish pursuits of which some takes place, they discover the true purpose of the meet to begin with but only after they have lived through it all. This concept can apply to all of our wanderings and gives us a reason to pause and ponder while pursuing things and going from point A to point B. Nicely done talkative film and acted out to perfection this leaves you with afterglow for watching it. For those that like to eat while watching (I do), nice scene with bacon and pancakes with hot maple syrup and delicious coffee. Have yours ready and join in or choose your own delight and go for it. Listen to the dialog, watch the scenes and receive this...

Somewhat of a misfire for Miss Davis. She walks, she talks (alot) and is dressed in an awful wardrobe complete with an unflattering hairstyle with bangs no less. This script is heavy, heavy on dialog, mostly with Davis doing the talking. Even her talent can't breathe life into this dusty monologue where big secrets turn out to be rather boring and ho-hum. Her costar plays his part adequately (the future Jock Ewing) but he lacks star power. This movie needed another 'prescence' besides Davis to play against. On a positive note, the interior decoration is very nice. Max Steiner's score is in keeping with the movie, I dare anyone to hum a note from this movie. Taking what it is, watch it only for Davis herself. This film is not shown very often, pleasant enough if you are in the mood for a talky film or have problems sleeping at night.

Just as for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction, so in every court trial two parties come into judgment: the defendant and the jury. Having read the denigrating comments of those who reviewed this movie, I declare that they are the worst film jury I've ever encountered. Because Bette Davis is one of Americas greatest actresses, she chose to realize only great scripts from great writers. WINTER MEETING is a great film! It definitely is not for shallow adrenaline brats who crave titillation. This film is for sincere, mature people who wonder deep things about the purpose of life, the nature of God and man. I sat on the edge of my seat all through this film, astonished and inspired that way back in l948 Bette and her team were facing the very same questions that have haunted me all my life. Exactly what is the point of this movie that makes it so worth while? Through frustrated romance and fiery introspection, we see that even in the midst of our worst self-doubt and despair, each of us is filling a vital part in the creation of a magnificent human race. All bring priceless pieces of life's puzzle that others desperately need, even if we ourselves don't know the value of our contribution. Deeply encouraging, even redeeming!

I really believe this film has never been appreciated as it should have been. Bette gives one of her most thoughtful, honest performances in this film. Jim Davis was definitely not the correct leading man for the role, but who would have been with such an awkwardly written role? The Hollywood of 1948 would never have allowed the filmmakers to approach the movie with the frank honesty it deserves. The love story needed to actually go further than it did in showing Bette's frigidity and James' struggles between religion and sex. The wonderful John Hoyt's role needed to be written more specifically as a gay man so that the relationship between he and Bette would have more depth. All in all, an awkwardly written film with some miraculous performances in the circumstances