The Man in Grey
The Man in Grey

The Man in Grey

1943Movie116 minEnglish

After marrying a dour and disinterested lord for status, a young woman falls in love with a stage actor while her best friend from boarding school enters an affair with her husband.

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IMDb7.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes80%
Google Users85%
Director: Robert WiseGenres: Drama, Romance, History

Plot Summary

This historical drama chronicles the complex and often tumultuous relationships between three women in 19th-century England. It focuses on the ambitious and manipulative Mrs. Rochester, who schemes to elevate her social standing, often at the expense of those around her. Her life intersects with the fortunes and misfortunes of two other women, revealing a tangled web of love, betrayal, and social climbing.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'The Man in Grey' was a significant box office success and received a generally positive critical reception, praised for its performances, particularly from Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, and its lavish production values. It was seen as a prime example of melodrama and costume drama of the era, resonating with audiences.

What Reviewers Say

  • Lavish period drama with compelling performances from its leading ladies.
  • A well-crafted melodrama that explores themes of ambition and social standing.
  • Praised for its strong female characters and engaging narrative.

Google audience: Audiences generally appreciate the film for its dramatic storyline and the star power of its cast, often citing the intense performances and the engaging historical setting as highlights.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Score. Bette Davis received a special award at the Venice Film Festival for her performance.

Fun Fact

The film was originally intended to star Norma Shearer and Lupe Vélez, but casting changes led to the iconic pairing of Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, who were already known for their intense off-screen rivalry.

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TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

James Mason is the spoiled, somewhat ruthless "Marquis of Rohan" who alights on the charming, if naive, "Clarissa" (Phyllis Calvert) and decides she is to be the mother of his heir. That's all he wants from her. No love or romance - just so...
John Chard

John Chard

The Gypsy Portent and the Woman of Deadly Nightshade. The Man in Grey is directed by Leslie Arliss and adapted to screenplay by Margaret Kennedy and Doreen Montgomery from the novel of the same name written by Eleanor Smith. It stars Ma...