The Sisters (1938)

fine, undervalued Bette Davis vehicle

Bette Davis and Errol Flynn star in this rather undervalued 1930s drama called Sisters. The plot moves along at a good pace and the convincing acting had me every step of the way. This is one Better Davis movie that is truly worth watching; and Errol Flynn fans will want this one as well!

The action starts at a ball in Silver Bow, Montana, to celebrate the election of Teddy Roosevelt to the presidency in 1904. We meet the Elliott sisters and their parents. Helen Elliott (Anita Louise) marries a rich older man in a marriage of convenience while Grace (Jane Bryan) marries Tom Knivel (Dick Foran). Louise (Bette Davis), however, falls in love at first sight with Frank Medlin (Errol Flynn) and elopes with him just one week later; Louis and Frank head for San Francisco where Frank lives to live a happily married life.

Or so they planned. It's not long after that Frank begins to drink more and more, much to Louise's disappointment. Frank's attempt to write a novel stalls; and Louise suffers a miscarriage after an exhaustion collapse. Frank soon wonders if Louise would be better of without him when he gets fired and can no longer find a job.

Of course, the plot can go anywhere from here. The sisters took a vow to help each other no matter what: Will Grace and Helen be able to help Louise forget Frank even though Louise still loves him? What happens to Frank after he leaves Louise--will he ever come back to her? What about the San Francisco earthquake--how will this affect Louise and Frank? No spoilers here--you'll have to watch the movie to find out!

The movie attempts to be faithful to the theme of the three Elliott sisters always being there for one another. However, make no mistake about it--this movie belongs to Bette Davis. Even Errol Flynn supports Davis despite the fact that he got top billing. Bette Davis turns in a remarkably fine performance as a young Louise Elliott who marries Frank Medlin for better or for worse.

The cinematography really shows its force in scenes like the ball and the aftermath of the San Francisco earthquake; and the choreography shines just as strong throughout the film.

In short, Bette Davis fans will consider this a must have for their collections; and Errol Flynn fans will not be disappointed, either. Sisters is a fine vehicle for both Davis and Flynn; and I highly recommend it for people who enjoy classic movies from the 1930s. October 25, 2007

Demure Bette Davis In Fine Period Drama

"The Sisters", is a largely unknown film today and certainly in the filmographies of legends Bette Davis and Errol Flynn it is overshadowed by these two performers other efforts that same year in the classics "Jezebel", and "The Adventures of Robin Hood". Compared to these two it's not surprising that memory of this film is faint however it does deserve to be better remembered as it is a finely crafted period drama with very capable performances by the two leads in the first of their two screen teamings. Boasting rich period settings, beautiful cinematography and a strong group of character actors ably supporting the leads, it is your typical class "A" production from the late 1930's where no expense was spared. It offers Bette Davis also a refreshing change of pace from her usual power house characters and she delivers a beautifully unplayed performance as the long suffering wife of rogueish Errol Flynn.

Based on the novel by Myron Brinig, "The Sisters", tells of the trials and tribulations that occur in th elives of three sisters over a four year period that begins and ends with a Presidential Election Ball. and finds each of the three Elliot sisters, Louise (Bette Davis), Helen (Anita Louise), and Grace (Jane Bryan)realising through the strange courses that their lives have taken them that life in general is made up of almost equal parts of happiness and heartbreak. The three sisters are all very different in character with the eldest Louise being the very practical one of the trio. Although linked with sensible Tom Knivel (Dick Foran), at the election ball she is swept off her feet by aspiring writer Frank Medlin (Errol Flynn), who after a whirlwind courtship whisks her off to a new life in San francisco much against the wishes of her concerned parent Ned and Rose Elliot (Henry Travers and Beulah Bondi). Louise however finds life in San Francisco not easy as Frank hits the bottle over not being able to write his great novel and then abandons her after she loses their baby. She then faces the terror of the San Francisco earthquake alone and unsure of where her husband actually is. Helen is the flighty one of the sisters who dreams of money and excitment in far off places. She implusively agrees to marry much older businessman Sam Johnson who provides her with the material security she craves however soon he dies and Helen embarks on a series of unsatisfactory and brief romances that leave her empty. Grace is the one that stays at home and eventually marries Tom and settles down to domestic bliss only to discover that her aspiring politican of a husband has been having an affair behind her back. The sad course that each of their lives have taken them however doesn't remove the strong and loving bond that exists between the three sisters and when the Election Ball looms on the horizon again all three siters return to their home town where with help from her siblings Grace is reunited with her husband, Helen learns a lesson in responsibility, and importantly Louise is by the efforts of family friend Tim Hazleton (Donald Crisp), reunited with a humbled Frank who has returned from the Orient where he went to find some purpose to his existence. As the story began so it ends with Louise, Helen, and Grace linking arms in the middle of the Election Ball in a united display of sisterly love.


For those seeking the usual "Bette Davis", performance there will definately be a surprise in store after watching her subtle underplaying in "The Sisters". Errol Flynn despite his personal differences with Davis proves himself capable of restrained acting as well and despite appearing a little too well scrubbed in his down and out scenes, also is very believable and teams well with Davis. Anita Louise, a beautiful young actress makes perfect casting as the flighty Louise and Jane Bryan who also scored a great success playing the secret daughter of Bette Davis the next year in the classic "The Old Maid", does great work here as her younger sister (!), who settles for love and marriage. The supporting cast are one of this film's great strengths and full credit must go to Beulah Bondi, Henry Travers and Donald Crisp for their always expert playing of the vital main supporting characters in this story. Veteran Alan Hale, a regular in many Flynn epics excels as the unloved older husband of Anita Louise's character who tragically dies trying to keep up with his giddy younger wife. Directed with a sure hand by Anatole Litvak he manages to keep all the different threads of this story together and is excellent at keeping Bette Davis under control and free of alot of her usual acting mannerisms. The highlight of the story is of course the depiction of the 1906 earthquake. Certainly not as spectacular as MGM's 1936 "San Francisco",effort it is nevertheless quite harrowing and many scenes were actually lifted from the earlier 1927 silent classic "In Old San Francisco". The new footage of Bette Davis surviving the quake is expertly incorporated with the earlier footage and makes a fitting climax to the story. Attention to detail is top class in "The Sisters", with special mention going to Orry Kelly's stunning and highly authentic turn of the century costumes that suit the cast so well and the rich period settings that in alot of ways have a strong "MGM" feel to it.

While this film would probably never be on any film buff's top ten list it is however a beautifully wrought production from the golden era of Hollywood filmmaking. It's story is not a particulary original or startling one but for those who enjoy well acted period dramas with a gifted cast of seasoned professionals then "The Sisters", is sure to entertain. Bette Davis shows her great versatilty as an actress here and her very different type of performance here as louise Elliot Medlin alone makes this film well worth viewing and an essential part of any Bette Davis fan's film library.
March 22, 2004

Davis, Flynn, and A Big Earthquake

Three sisters face maritals problems in this film that features one of the most subdued performances by Bette Davis you will find. Davis is the oldest sister, and the one with biggest marital problems, since she is married to a drinking, unfocused sportswriter played competently by Errol Flynn. Anita Louise is very good as the flighty middle sister, who marries a wealthy older man (Alan Hale) for security and a chance to see the world. Jane Bryan is also effective as the younger sister who marries a very stable and boring Dick Foran for love, and seems to have it all. Besides troubles with her husband, Davis also has to contend with the great San Francisco earthquake of 1906, re-enacted fairly well. Davis usually displayed more fireworks in other melodramas, but her performance matches the tone of this film. The Sisters isn't particularly exciting or surprising, but it is well made and well acted by the stars and a great supporting cast that includes Beulah Bondi, Henry Travers, Donald Crisp, and Lee Patrick. It's a classy effort. April 28, 2002

BETTE DAVIS AS THE PERFECT WIFE...

This is the story of three sisters at the turn of the century and their marital woes, with the focus on the eldest sister, Louise, played by an uncharacteristically demure Bette Davis, who falls in love at first sight with Frank, a rascally sports reporter, played by the ever handsome Errol Flynn. He, too, is smitten at first sight.

Louise and Frank elope and move to San Francisco. At first, all seems right with the world. Louise concentrates on making a home, while Frank works to support them and tries to write the great American novel in his spare time. Soon, their honeymoon comes to an end, as Frank returns to his dissolute ways, drinking heavily. When he loses his job and the bills pile up, Louise gets a job. This ends up putting somewhat of a kibbosh on the relationship, and Frank leaves.

Right after he abandons his wife, she is caught up in the San Francisco earthquake. Rescued, she recovers from her physical injuries, but is still traumatized by Frank's abandonment. Slowly she begins to recover under the attentive ministrations of her employer who cares for her. She makes herself into a success on the job, but still longs for Frank. What happens to Louise, makes for an entertaining melodrama.

The sets and costumes are wonderful in the film. Ms. Davis and Mr. Flynn are excellent in their respective roles, as is the strong supporting cast. The earthquake scenes alone are worth the price of the video. Bette Davis fans will not be disappointed. November 11, 2001

A truly wonderful film!

This is defintly a great romantic film. It has a great story line and will keep your interest. This film was based on a book. Errol Flynn and Bette Davis are great in it. It's a kepper! Buy it and you wont be disappointed. August 25, 2001

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