Beyond the Forest (1949)

Director:

King Vidor

Writers:

Lenore J. Coffee (writer)
Stuart Engstrand (novel)

Release Date:

21 October 1949 (USA)

Genre:

Film-Noir | Drama | Thriller

Tagline:

Nobody's as good as Bette when she's bad!

Plot:

Rosa Moline is bored with life in a small town. She loves Chicago industrialist Neil Latimer who has a hunting lodge nearby...

Plot Keywords:

Pregnancy | Small Town | Murder | Abortion | Beautiful Woman

Awards:

Nominated for Oscar.

Cast

  (Complete credited cast)

Bette Davis	...	Rosa Moline
Joseph Cotten	...	Doctor Louis Moline
David Brian	...	Neil Latimer
Ruth Roman	...	Carol
Minor Watson	...	Moose
Dona Drake	...	Jenny
Regis Toomey	...	Sorren
Sarah Selby	...	Mildred

Runtime:

97 min | Germany:89 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound System)

Certification:

Finland:K-16 | Spain:18 | Australia:G

Filming Locations:

Chicago, Illinois, USA

Company:

Warner Bros. Pictures

Trivia:

The movie's line "What a dump." was voted as the #62 movie quote by the American Film Institute (out of 100).

Goofs:

Continuity: Prior to visiting lawyer's office, Rosa wipes off all her make-up, then is seen wearing bright lipstick during a close-up in waiting room, which immediately disappears for rest of scene.

Quotes:

Moose: You're somethin' for the birds, Rosa, somethin' for the birds.
Rosa Moline: And you're somethin' to make the corn grow tall!

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Jeopardy!: (#22.82)" (2006)

Soundtrack:

Chicago

More than camp

While there ARE overdone and exaggerated moments in this film, it is also a near masterpiece! Bette Davis plays Rosa Moline, a small town strumpet who wants more than her hick doctor hubby can provide.

Bette's explosive performance is among the best of her career(and that's saying something!). Her character has to be among the most evil in motion picture history. What is remarkable is that Bette compels us to care about and, even root for this greedy and self centered woman. That is part of what makes Bette Davis the most versatile and most accomplished actress in motion picture history.

A particularly wonderful scene takes place later in the film. Rosa gives her husband a surprising bit of news at a picnic. Watch the sadness and mixed emotions that emanate from her eyes. What an amazing and bittersweet scene.

The problem with the film is that there are scenes that don't fully detail what happens to Rosa near the end of the film. Also, there were changes imposed on the film by the production code that weakened its narrative logic.

Despite a few flaws, this is a fabulous film. The highs and lows of Rosa Moline are compelling and complex. Like the sinister character Bette Davis portrays, the film is far deeper than it seems. Those who think of it only as camp should take a closer look.