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Kitty Foyle
(1940)

Director: Sam Wood
Writers: Christopher Morley (novel), Dalton Trumbo (screenplay)
Cast: Ginger Rogers, Dennis Morgan, James Craig, Gladys Cooper
Genre: Drama, Romance

On the eve of her marriage, a young woman returns to her apartment only to find a former flame from the past is waiting for her there. Kitty Foyle (Ginger Rogers) then must decide if she will run away with the rich and charming former boyfriend (Dennis Morgan) or marry her steady and true fiance (James Craig), who's waiting at the alter. As she wrestles with her consciousness, she reflects back on her life and who she first meet these two men.

Based on a bestselling 1939 novel by Christopher Morley also titled Kitty Foyle...the movie earned Ginger Rogers an Academy Award for Best Actress.

The film starts off with a prologue that gives the viewer a brief history of women in relationships. It's designed to show us that Kitty Foyle is a modern woman in charge of her own life. I thought the prologue slowed the start of the film down but once we get to Kitty's story the movie takes off.



Kitty is a no non sense woman who knows what she wants and won't take guff from anyone. Ginger is very likable in this role and pulls it beautifully. Her former boyfriend played aptly by Dennis Morgan is a rich 'main liner' from a well to do Philadelphia family. Dennis pairs well with Kitty and the couple have believable chemistry, which is important as their past history and love affair is what drives the movie.

Kudos to Gladys Cooper pictured in the photo above, who gives a believable performance as a wealthy but concerned would be mother in law.

I thought this bit of trivia was touching:
Among the many letters that Ginger Rogers received for her work in the film, this was the one that she treasured the most: "Hello Cutie - Saw "Kitty" last night and must write this note to say "That's it!" Yes, yes, a thousand times yes! You were superb Ginge - it was such a solid performance - the kind one seldom sees on stage or screen and it should bring you the highest honors anyone can win!! Hope to see you soon, As ever your, Fred."
That letter was from Fred Astaire.


Kitty Foyle is one of the must see films of the 1940's. Nominated for: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay.

Rating
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