Christopher Strong is a film of clichés- daring, independent woman meets devoted, trustworthy husband of kind, albeit prudish wife. He's never cheated on his wife, she's never been in love. Will a clandestine affair ensue? Oh, gee, the suspense might leave you hanging.
But before you write this one off, remember that it stars the incomparable Katharine Hepburn in one of her first screen roles. And she is divine. I love Kate when she's strong and brash and carelessly independent. She breathes life into what would be a tired role in any other actress's hands. Her performance makes you believe at once in the worldliness and naiveté of an aviatrix who's never known love before.
The ending is rushed and lacks credibility. It feels forced, as though they had to give some closure to a rather untidy relationship. It would have been better without the closure. But through it all, you believe in Hepburn; even in the final moments, you believe that maybe she regrets her irreversible decision after all.
It's not an original look at adultery, but Kate's performance gives you an interesting view of the other woman- one who is brave but scared, happy but miserable.
But before you write this one off, remember that it stars the incomparable Katharine Hepburn in one of her first screen roles. And she is divine. I love Kate when she's strong and brash and carelessly independent. She breathes life into what would be a tired role in any other actress's hands. Her performance makes you believe at once in the worldliness and naiveté of an aviatrix who's never known love before.
The ending is rushed and lacks credibility. It feels forced, as though they had to give some closure to a rather untidy relationship. It would have been better without the closure. But through it all, you believe in Hepburn; even in the final moments, you believe that maybe she regrets her irreversible decision after all.
It's not an original look at adultery, but Kate's performance gives you an interesting view of the other woman- one who is brave but scared, happy but miserable.