Madame X (2 Disc)

It is difficult to try to comment on these two films because the whole root course has never been filmed .There is not enough room available to fully describe these two latest archive collections the way they deserve. Only on very technical details would I try to out vote one for the other. Both of these actresses were household names in their own time and served out their time on the boards of Broadway theatre`s and touring company`s across the states.Only if you have access to a copy of J W McConaughys original book can you truly understand how this story came about and who the real culprit was. Only at the end does Jacqueline stand up and speak out declaring why she ended up charged with murder. Ruth Chatterton`s performance at the beginning of the film as she implores her ex husband Louis Floriot to let her see her son who has been very ill, is something to be remembered. How she begs at his feet for his forgiveness, and to take her back almost succeeds for he still loves her but is too loath to admit it. Only when she lets it out, that the man she ran away with she never really loved him and that he is now dead puts any hopes of a reconciliation to the flames. Floriot is enraged, and takes hold of her and leads her to the door telling her to leave his house, and shuts the door behind her. Throughout the whole scene Ruth is now using her much younger voice to plead her case. This is a gift very few actors have and Ruth was known for this distinction. After leaving her old home she begins her long journey to sadness and degradation, completely unaware that Both Louis and Noel (an old friend who would have married her had she not chosen Louis ) are now searching for her to take her back into the fold and do so for the next twenty years, until she is charged with murder and her son Raymond, who is now a qualified lawyer is chosen to defend her not knowing that she is his real mother. and Jacqueline does not know that he is her long lost son, that is, until the judge calls out his name Raymond Floriot to defend Madam X. If you are human,this is were I sign off, and you will need a tissue. Joyce George goes through all the same thing but as I said she really goes through the mill. .I would heartily recommend for less than the price of a pizza and side plate, you could have the original copy of the 1907 book and the double DVD next day delivery, and you could pass them on to your children /grandchildren because there is so much that copy right cannot get to the screen and it is vital to the story.

The story of "Madame X" -- a woman forced to abandon her child and husband and then years later finds that son, now an adult, defending her in court for murder -- is one of the most re-made film plots of all time, next only,perhaps, to "Alice in Wonderland."I have seen four versions: the 1929 Ruth Chatterton, the 1937 Gladys George, the 1966 Ross Hunter production starring Lana Turner and a TV movie with Tuesday Weld in the title role. All are worth watching (although the Weld is not yet on DVD to my knowledge). Chatterton is very much the fallen lady, more sinned-against than sinning; Gladys George, very convincing as a fallen, absinthe-addicted mantrap, Turner has many effective moments and ages from glamour girl to harridan and Weld, a vastly underrated actress, makes a wry, knowing "Madame X."It's interesting to see how the story changes to fit the eras in which it was filmed.Tidbit: The 1929 "Madame X," directed by Lionel Barrymore, had the first boom mike when Barrymore tied the microphone to a fishing pole."Madame X" has been ripped off many times, too: "The Sin of Madeline Claudet (Helen Hayes") and "Confession" (Kay Francis) being just too examples.

Of the many screen versions of this story, most viewers are probably familiar with the glossy Lana Turner soaper from the '60's. While Turner's performance as Madame X was admirable, the one to beat is this spellbinding turn by Gladys George. This version,in writing and acting styles, is of course more dated---it was released in 1937. (Today, a woman like Madame X would be a media darling, and probably have her own talk show.) Like the original play, this story is set in France----and we have to buy the main characters as being French, even though they speak with distinctly American accents, unlike the supporting cast around them. All of that is made believable, however, by the fine performances---with Miss George outdoing them all as the tragic fallen woman who sacrifices herself for her son. The ending is a killer, in every respect. This is an "old movie", to be sure,and Gladys George didn't make a lot of big ones....but she single-handedly makes this one a true classic.

Two very different films with Ruth Chatterton's the better film, overall. However, Gladys George gives a better singular performance; more depth to her emotion & voice. Unfortunately, a dated subject, even by 1937.Both great actresses with fascinating lives offscreen. Chatterton became a noted authoress & painter after her acting career & Gladys George died a relatively young woman, I believe in 1950. Yet, no biopic about either of them has ever appeared.

The media could not be loaded.  Excellent shape. No skipping or scratches the 2937 version was more clear in the voice sound. Both DVDs are in black and white

nice old pre-code films

Madam X is in my top five of favorite movies. I love all the different versions.

The first disc in this set is damaged. It's pixcellated and repeats chapters. The second disc is okay. I have no complaints on the second DVD, but the set is ruined.