Carrie-Review #9-Cinema Saturday Make-Up

If You haven't read Sister Carrie by Theodore Dreiser, do it. As for Carrie-the 1952 film based on the classic Dreiser Novel, This is a film that has dissapointed Me a bit. First of all, the ending was ALL wrong. It is at best confusing and at worst completely skims important parts of the story-but that happens all the way through. Sister Carrie is a story I would LOVE to adapt to screenplay and direct. I have read it twice, and will read it again and again. It is a fascinating tale (a cautionary one, too) about the effect of the world and how one views what is neccesary relative to what lifestyle they are used to, and how desires can easily drive someone awry.

Laurence Olivier is a sublime actor and plays the role of George Hurstwood very well-to the hilt, in fact. Jennifer Jones is the title character, Caroline Meeber. She does well. These two Oscar winners are amazing to watch despite the poor screenplay adaption. Eddie Albert plays the Role of Charles Druet, and does pretty well. (If I casted a movie based on this story, Tom Cruise would be begged by me on bended knee to play Drouet.) I think that the acting is the strength of the movie. The plot involves the coming-of -age of Young Caroline Meeber. "Carrie" as she is called makes her way to Chicago to live with her sister and her sister's family while she begins to seek her fortune. There are many slaps in the face for Carrie-Reality is a harsh companion along the way, but is edged out again and again because Carrie's naievete and good looks make her prime pickings for men of the world. She descends gradually and easily into her predicaments and finally is immersed in a lifestyle wholly disconnected from reality and the values she arrived with in Chicago. Jennifer Jones is great. She is Queen of the Doe-in-Headlights look and the innocent and Earnest Heroine is what she plays best-but can Carrie be called a Heroine? You make the Call. It is worth a look for the performances. Directed by William Wyler. I give this film 2 out of 4 stars.

*Blogger's Note-This is a Make-Up for this past Easter Weekend's break. Ms.Holm will be back on schedule!