MovieChat Forums > The Life of Emile Zola (1937) Discussion > Casting against the grain

Casting against the grain

posted 14 years ago by oldblackandwhite
2 replies | jump to latest

It was nice to see Gale Sondergaard, who usually played sinister parts, get a sympathetic role in this movie. She looked so benign and attractive, I didn't recognize her at first. Gloria Holden rarely had such a big part in an "A" picture, and never the romantic lead, which is what her role in Zola passed for I guess. Unless you count lesbian vampire as a romantic lead. She looked terrific, too.

Also, Harry Davenport, usually seen as kindly, dignified gentlemen, was quite sinister in this one.

He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good... St. Matthew 5:45

[–] JacintoCupboard 9 years ago

I thought of rating this movie a 10 except for some really sub standard acting from some of the supporting cast, of whom GS is the worst offender imo.

Scenery chewing stuff which *might* have been passable in the day, but what is remarkable is how modern this film looks: all of which is undone whenever she was on screen.

[–] oldblackandwhite 9 years ago

I would not consider seeming "modern" a compliment for a classic movie. But each to his own taste, or as the Bible puts it:

He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good... St. Matthew 5:45