Winter Meeting

Director: Bretaigne Windust Bretaigne Windust

Overview

In this drama, the unmarried poetic daughter of a minister, Susan Grieve (Bette Davis), meets and falls in love with war hero Slick Novak (Jim Davis). As their relationship progresses, Susan and Slick help each other struggle with their past ghosts and dreams, each providing the support and inspiration that the other needs.

Product Details

Release Date:	06/18/2013
UPC:	0883316650882
Original Release:	1948
Rating:	NR
Source:	Warner Archives
Presentation:	[B&W]
Language:	English
Time:	1:36:00
Sales rank:	46,576

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits

Bette Davis	Susan Grieve,Slick Novak,Slick Novak
John Hoyt	Stacy Grant
Janis Paige	Peggy Markham
Florence Bates	Mrs. Castle
Walter Baldwin	Mr. Castle,Mr. Castle
Ransom Sherman	Mr. Moran
Hugh Charles	Headwaiter
George Taylor	Waiter
Mike Lally	Waiter
Douglas Carter	Waiter
Harry McKee	Waiter
Joe Minitello	Waiter
Harry Lewis	Juvenile
Ezelle Poule	Cafe Couple
Russ Clarke	Cafe Couple
Laura Treadwell	Gray Lady
Lois Austin	Marcia
Robert Riordan	Marcia's Escort
Paul Maxey	Actor
Max Steiner	Composer

Technical Credits

Catherine Turney

Harry Barndollar	Special Effects
Henry Blanke	Producer
H.F. Koenekamp	Special Effects
Bretaigne Windust	Director
Catherine Turney	Screenwriter
Jack Warner	Executive Producer

Editorial Reviews

Bette Davis is in spinster mode again in Winter Meeting, but those expecting another Now Voyager will be sorely disappointed. Winter commits what may be the most unforgivable sin for a melodrama -- it's unrelentingly dull. Audiences will stomach outrageous plot turns, overboard dialogue and blatant attempts to manipulate emotion in a melodrama -- but not being bored to death. The culprit is largely Catherine Turney's incredibly talky screenplay. There's nothing wrong with a film having lots of dialogue, but what's being said simply has to be said in an interesting and involving manner. That's simply not the case here. Bretaigne Windust's dry direction doesn't help matters. He doesn't find ways to shoot the long stretches of dialogue in a manner that can add a new layer to what is being said, or barring that, can distract from what is being said. Windust's pacing is of no help, and his work here is simply lackluster. Star Bette Davis does the best that she can, underplaying in a part that one might expect to bring out her more histrionic instincts, and she adds interest to the film. But Jim Davis is dull and miscast, making his attraction to Bette Davis seem unbelievable. Janis Paige's beauty adds a boost, and Florence Bates and John Hoyt are a definite plus in supporting parts. Devoted fans of the star may enjoy Winter, but most will find it severely lacking.