

Della
Della Chappell is a very wealthy and incredibly reclusive woman. When a big company wants to develop some land that Della owns, the town sends out Barney Stafford to talk to her. She invites Barney over to negotiate the proposal. Barney soon takes a liking to Della's equally reclusive daughter Jenny Chappell. After spending some time with Jenny, he realizes that Della has a dark secret, one that keeps them from the outside world.
Insights
Plot Summary
Della, a wealthy and domineering matriarch, grapples with her fractured family relationships while facing a personal crisis. Her estranged son, a struggling writer, returns home, stirring up old resentments and secrets. As Della navigates these complex dynamics, she confronts her past and the consequences of her controlling nature, ultimately seeking a path towards reconciliation or further isolation.
Critical Reception
Della received a mixed reception upon its release. While Joan Crawford's performance was often praised for its intensity, the film's melodramatic plot and pacing were points of contention for critics. Audiences were divided, with some appreciating the dramatic conflict and Crawford's star power, while others found the story overly contrived.
What Reviewers Say
- Joan Crawford delivers a commanding performance as the troubled matriarch.
- The film's dramatic themes and family conflict are central to its appeal.
- Some critics found the plot to be overly theatrical and predictable.
Google audience: Audience reception for Della is not widely documented through Google user reviews. However, based on general audience sentiment from the era, viewers likely appreciated the strong dramatic performances and the exploration of complex family dynamics, although some may have found the melodrama to be excessive.
Awards & Accolades
None notable.
Fun Fact
The film marked an early directorial effort by Robert Altman before he achieved wider fame with later works like 'M*A*S*H' and 'The Player'.
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