Cass Timberlane
Cass Timberlane

Cass Timberlane

1947Movie119 minEnglish

Judge Cass Timberlane marries a girl from the wrong side of the tracks, Virginia Marshland. A baby is stillborn and she turns more and more to attorney friend of of Cass' Brad Criley. While quarreling the Judge tells Virginia to stay with Brad, but when she becomes sick he brings her home.

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IMDb6.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes50%
Google Users75%
Director: George SidneyGenres: Drama, Romance, Film-Noir

Plot Summary

Cass Timberlane, a respected judge in a small Minnesota town, impulsively marries the alluring but mysterious Ginger. His decision sparks gossip and disapproval from the town's elite, particularly his old friends who have formed a society to vet potential brides for their members. As Ginger's past begins to surface and the town's prejudices take hold, Cass finds his judgment and his marriage tested.

Critical Reception

Cass Timberlane received mixed reviews upon its release. While Spencer Tracy's performance was generally praised, the film's plot was often criticized for being overly melodramatic and predictable. Lana Turner's portrayal of Ginger was seen as a departure from her typical roles, but some found her character underdeveloped. The film's exploration of small-town hypocrisy and class distinctions was noted, but not always effectively executed.

What Reviewers Say

  • Spencer Tracy delivers a strong performance as a conflicted judge.
  • The film attempts to tackle themes of social hypocrisy but struggles with a melodramatic plot.
  • Lana Turner is cast against type, though her character's motivations can be unclear.

Google audience: Audiences generally found the film to be watchable, appreciating Spencer Tracy's lead role and the exploration of moral dilemmas. However, some viewers felt the story was overly dramatic and didn't fully engage with the complexities of the characters or the social commentary.

Fun Fact

The film was based on a best-selling novel of the same name by Sinclair Lewis, a Nobel Prize winner.

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