MovieChat Forums > All This, and Heaven Too (1940) Discussion > Stolen from Davis & Boyer

Stolen from Davis & Boyer

posted 9 years ago by dmnemaine
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In my opinion, Barbara O'Neil's performance completely steals the film from stars Bette Davis & Charles Boyer. Her appearances on screen are just electric and she successfully makes the audience feel both loathing and sympathy for her, and is simply a much more interesting character than Boyer's long-suffering Duc and Davis's calm and collected governess. Unfortunately, Barbara O'Neil's star never rose very high, and she's mainly remembered for her role as Mrs. O'Hara in "Gone With The Wind".

[–] Chiscully 8 years ago

Her scenes certainly brought energy to the film. Charles and Bette had to suppress their characters' passions for the whole movie making it kind of laborious. I read that that he commented that the director was heavy-handed and rather strict which probably constrained the energy of her performance.