Movie spotlight
All This, and Heaven Too
When lovely and virtuous governess Henriette Deluzy comes to educate the children of the debonair Duc de Praslin, a royal subject to King Louis-Philippe and the husband of the volatile and obsessive Duchesse de Praslin, she instantly incurs the wrath of her mistress, who is insanely jealous of anyone who comes near her estranged husband. Though she saves the duchess's little son from a near-death illness and warms herself to all the children, she is nevertheless dismissed by the vengeful duchess. Meanwhile, the attraction between the duke and Henriette continues to grow, eventually leading to tragedy.
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Plot Summary
Henriette Deluzy-Desportes, a French governess in the 1830s, finds herself falling in love with the married Duc de Praslin, a man she is employed to educate. Their forbidden romance quickly escalates, leading to a scandal that forces them to flee. The film explores the societal constraints and personal turmoil faced by Henriette as their affair unfolds.
Critical Reception
All This, and Heaven Too was a critical and commercial success, praised for its dramatic intensity and strong performances, particularly from Bette Davis. It was considered a notable contribution to the historical drama genre of its time.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for Bette Davis's powerful and nuanced performance.
The film is noted for its sweeping historical drama and romantic intrigue.
The direction and screenplay were commended for effectively adapting the novel.
Google audience: Audience reception data for Google reviews is not readily available for this classic film. However, its enduring popularity suggests strong viewer appreciation for its historical romance and dramatic themes.
Awards & Accolades
Nominated for 3 Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Actor (Charles Boyer), and Best Film Editing.
Fun Fact
The film is based on the sensational 1847 true story of the Duc de Praslin and his governess, Henriette Deluzy-Desportes, which rocked French society and led to a murder and suicide.
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