Rent All This, and Heaven Too (1940)

Historical Drama. - All This, and Heaven Too review by Steve

Based on a scandalous true story about the murder of a woman by her aristocratic husband, which got entangled in the 1848 revolution in France. Bette Davis stars as the notorious Henriette D-, the governess to their children, rumoured to be having an affair with the Duc (Charles Boyer). Warner Brothers intended this to be a rare sympathetic role for Bette.

It doesn't entirely work that way. The neurotic Duchess goes crazy with jealousy over the impeccable Henriette, but the tutor does actually entirely take over the household and win the love of the husband, even if they don't share a kiss. Davis captures the eye, as she always does and Boyer is compelling. They have a decent chemistry together. Oscar nominated Barbara O'Neil overacts terribly as the Duchess.

 This had a big budget and it is a visual banquet and a sumptuous recreation of the interiors and costumes of Restoration Paris. Colour might have been a worthwhile choice. Like many productions intent on touring you around the scenery, it is a little slow, stiff and formal.

Much of its long running time is spent watching the acting talents of a large number of Hollywood kids, and this appeal is very much to taste. Personally, this ranks with religious awe as the stickiest features of classic cinema. Especially when one of the moppets gets sick. It's not the best of Bette's Warner Brothers melodramas, but there's a fine score from Max Steiner and first rate production values.