MovieChat Forums > All This, and Heaven Too (1940) Discussion > No kiss...

No kiss...

posted 17 years ago by mustang_steph
15 replies | jump to latest

One thing that I think makes this movie so romantic is the love between Madmoiselle and the Duc that is shared only between looks and words. Never did they even admit to each other their true feelings. The only touches they ever shared were innocent hand shakes and that one kiss on the hand by the Duc, yet I imagine that they meant so much more to each of them. I think this movie would have been much less effective if the characters would have had a typical love scene. I think the many scenes between the two of them are some of the most romantic of any movie. They bring me to tears just by seeing the longing in their eyes. What a beautiful and yet painful movie!

[–] eden_echo 17 years ago

Don't you love these types of films, where you don't need sex or even kissing, sometimes, to prove that you love someone? If this was made today, we probably be seeing naked bodies or hearing some kind of noises.

Another great example of semi-unrequited love and longing.

"I promise you, before I die I'll surely come to your doorstep"

[–] alejandrolora 16 years ago

AMEN..... well said, you really said it all.

That scene by the fireplace at Melun is just to die for!

[–] arteest-1 17 years ago

Totally agree. Practically every scene between these two is a love scene, and each one only serves to heighten the tension and longing they feel for each other.

It's amazing - the depth of emotion that is conveyed without words or actions by two superb actors. Were there EVER two more expressive pairs of eyes than those of Charles Boyer and Bette Davis??

[–] LetItBe117 16 years ago

I completely agree....their love was so beautiful and strong even though it didn't exactly appear so. Actually that made the scene where the Duc is dying, and he tells Pierre to tell her how much he loves her and that she is his soul, so much stronger.

"Of course it is happening inside your head but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?"

[–] 16 years ago

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[–] tialin92 16 years ago

That's exactly why I love this movie so much.

[–] ash_champforever 16 years ago

I was wondering about the no-kiss during the movie too and I definitely agree with all the posters above - this made the movie much more romantic and mature.

Film-makers today must also realise that eyes, and the body in general, have the ability to portray much more than kisses,love making and nudity.

[–] 16 years ago

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[–] Harold_Robbins 16 years ago

Reminds me of other stories and films in which the characters were never allowed to express their feelings to each other, although the audience was well aware:

PYGMALION/MY FAIR LADY, THE GHOST AND MRS MUIR, THE KING AND I...

"Stone-cold sober I find myself absolutely fascinating!"---Katharine Hepburn

[–] arteest-1 16 years ago

Hmmm...I see a trend. Is it a Rex thing, then?
My Fair Lady, Ghost and Mrs. Muir, Anna and the King of Siam (the earlier version of The King and I) - all starred Rex Harrison.

[–] 16 years ago

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[–] BCarl 13 years ago

There was one scene - I think it was the one where the whole family was supposed to go away on holiday...maybe the one where Boyer cut his hand and was hiding it - where Bette Davis ALMOST leans forward to kiss Boyer. It was just a moment, but it was as close as they ever came to actually "interacting" physically. This is another film that proves Bette Davis is truly one of the greatest actors of all time.

[–] mcdowelldjl 16 years ago

These comments remind me of this first time I saw "Double Indemnity". I noted to my mother how much "heat" could be conveyed without anyone taking off any pieces of clothes -- it not just necessary. If only the chemistry is there.
Notice the difference between "Love Affair" and "Affair to remember"

[–] 16 years ago

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[–] ancamg 8 years ago

Yes that is real love, but in a way frustrating, not so much in this movie, but in The remains of the day (Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson)
After watching The Remains of the Day, in theatre I got a headache.
I would say that in All This, and Heaven too, there is love in their eyes, but in the Remains of the Day, it is much worse. The whole book/movie has this theme of un expressed, not showed love.