Now, Voyager (1942)

In this 1942 melodrama, founded on the novel by Olivia Higgins Prouty (who also wrote the novel on which Stella Dallas was based), Bette Davis stars as Charlotte Vale, a dowdy, repressed woman who, overwhelmed by her domineering mother, is on the verge of a nervous breakdown. She finds help at a sanitarium from a kind psychiatrist (Claude Rains), who turns her into a beautiful, confident woman. As a new person, she takes a pleasure cruise, where she meets Jerry (Paul Henreid), an architect trapped in an unhappy marriage, saddled with a troubled daughter. The two fall in love, but, of course, the romance is doomed. Yet their paths cross on occasion, and, despite their feelings, Charlotte finds satisfaction in helping Jerry's depressed child. The film will seem familiar to new viewers--the campy style was the pattern for many tearjerkers to come, and its most famous line has been oft repeated ("Don't ask for the moon--we have the stars"). But the heartstrings are tugged, and as Paul Henreid chivalrously lights two cigarettes and hands one over to the doleful-eyed Davis, pull out the box of tissues--you're gonna need 'em. --Jenny Brown Amazon.com essential video

Bette at her Best

"The untold want by life and land ne'er granted,
Now, voyager, sail thou forth to seek and find."

~"The Untold Want" from Walt Whitman's "Leaves of Grass"


It is perhaps one of Bette Davis' best films, one in which she reputedly became quite caught up in the role, playing an active part in the production decisions. Perhaps that is why the sets, costumes, and screenplay, as well as the flawless acting, raise "Now, Voyager" above the soap operatic level to a serious drama exploring the psychological implications of certain moral decisions. Although Bette could be convincing as a Southern Belle, playing New England spinster Charlotte Vale, a Daughter of the Pilgrims, suited her mannerisms and natural accent impeccably. However, it is Bette's ability to depict Charlotte's transformation from a weepy neurotic into a vibrant and enthusiastic life participant that makes the film so engaging.

"Now, Voyager," based on the novel by Olive Higgins Prouty, shows the fascination with psychiatry that would come to consume America, beginning in the 1920's, so that in some circles it became a pseudo-religion. When used in the proper context, as a tool for healing, not as a substitute for Divine grace, psychiatry can certainly help people with emotional and mental problems. Charlotte Vale, the heroine of "Now, Voyager," is certainly put back on course by the compassionate Dr. Jaquith, whose firmness, wisdom and tough love counteract the emotional abuse leveled upon her by her mother. The film is, overall, a study in bad parenting and good parenting. Charlotte's healing is completed not by psychotherapy but by nurturing a disturbed child.

That is not to ignore the powerful love story which forms the basis of "Now, Voyager." While on a cruise to South America to recuperate from a nervous breakdown, Charlotte meets and falls in love with Jerry (Paul Henreid), an unhappily married man. They decide not to pursue the relationship so as not to break up Jerry's family and traumatize his children. Knowing that Jerry loves her from afar gives Charlotte courage, although the sorrow at not having him in her life intensifies, especially after her mother dies of a heart attack during a quarrel. Overwhelmed by guilt, Charlotte flees to Dr. Jaquith's sanatorium, where instead of having another breakdown, she finds Jerry's young daughter Tina, who is there for treatment. The mothering which Charlotte gives Tina is redemptive for both herself and the girl.

Later, when Charlotte and Jerry are reunited, she insists upon a platonic friendship, for the sake of Tina's fragile psyche. That is when Charlotte says the famous line: "Oh, Jerry, don't let's ask for the moon... we have the stars." It is fascinating that in a film which was actually quite worldly for its time, and did not purport to be religious, the needs of children are placed before adult passions. The adults find fulfillment not in seeking their own happiness, but in doing what is right for the youngsters, in spite of the personal sacrifice required. How different from the contemporary pursuit of pleasure in which our society drowns. November 20, 2008

I've seen them all but I own this one!

I'm a big fan of "old" movies, I love this particular movie genre but I was never a fan of Bette Davis, that is, until I watched this film. I've since become an avid fan and collector and I've come to believe she was the finest actress of all time. Isn't that what's so great about movies; that they often make profound impacts on our lives! Well this movie made an impact on mine and I hope it does the same for yours. And if you're looking for the next Davis film - try Watch on the Rhine. Even hubby liked that one! August 13, 2008

Now, Voyager

This is a 3-box of Kleenex film. Wonderfully acted by the ever changing Bette Davis, the music score by Max Steiner has great melodies. Even Black and White cannot affect the interesting plot. June 4, 2008

Now Voyager

If you are a fan of Bette Davis, this is the one for you (excellent movie) April 12, 2008

Magnificent Warner Brothers' Trio

Bette Davis captivates the lead in this, her best film. With one of the most versatile and seasoned actors, Claude Rains, one wonders who the true love match in the background story is between. Doubtless, Paul Henreid is well paired with Davis as a traveling companion and lover. This trio will meet on sets over and again because of the ways they unite to ingite the silver screen. The Warners had it made with these three great talents as part of their core acting team. We seem here to agree that "Now, Voyager" is a choice Bette Davis classic. Imagine what the next generation will be writing about it! No graphics, no special effects; tremendous script writing & adaptation and of course, the finest acting imaginable. Actors seem to compete with each other on screen today instead of drawing out the best performances in each other as these 3 'voyagers' did. March 20, 2008

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