What was Myrna Loy's purpose in this film? Were we supposed to surmise that an attraction/dalliance occurred with Arrowsmith and her character? If that was the idea it was so subtle as to be almost non-existent. If this is not the case, why was she even in the film?
shareI thought the same thing myself. It may have something to do with the different lengths of the film available--perhaps some scenes of her were cut. It's definitely, in agreement with what I've read from Leonard Maltin, a majorly flawed film--and despite its Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay, it's definitely the worst scripted film by Ford I've ever seen. Probably her presence was intended to show what was written in the opening, that he only loved one woman, despite the obvious mutual longing he and Loy's character had.
shareRead the 'Trivia' section.
shareHaving finished the novel itself one hour ago: Joyce Lanyon (played by Myrna) was the second wife of Arrowsmith. It can give you the perfect answer to any kind of questions of the character. :) ;)
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