MovieChat Forums > They Were Sisters (1946) Discussion > So why did Geoffrey marry Charlotte in t...

So why did Geoffrey marry Charlotte in the first place?


Right from the start I thought that he wasn't in love with her. And it seemed like he was pretty self confident, so along with his charm and good looks, it seemed to me that he could have had plenty of women to choose from. Was it just that he felt that he needed a family in order to be successful in business? If that was the case, I could see him choosing Charlotte because of her meek disposition, knowing he could bully her later on. But he went after Vera first, so it wasn't that he was seeking out a submissive wife.

I couldn't figure out what his problem was. He wasn't an alcoholic and he wasn't a womanizer. So why was he hellbent on turning his perfect family against him? Seems to me like he had everything going for him. Did the book flesh out his character more than the movie? Bad childhood or something like that?

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corriganville says > I couldn't figure out what his problem was.
I haven't read the book but I think there's enough in the movie to understand what drives Geoffrey. He seems to enjoy being in control of others; he cares deeply about outward appearances especially with his friends and for his job; to get the things he wants he will do whatever it takes and he has a mean streak.

When we first meet him, he immediately pursues Vera because she's a prize; she's lively, fun, and men notice and desire her. To win her over would elevate his status with his friends. When she rejects him it's not a big deal because there was never any real attraction. He cuts his losses quickly and moves on so as not to be embarrassed. Vera is not weak; she could see through and stand up to him so she wouldn't suit him.

Charlotte is needy and weak; she's dependent on others and is someone he can easily control and/or manipulate. We see that in the way he treats her even before they are married. That's why Lucy dislikes him and wants Charlotte to reconsider.

Charlotte is devoted to Geoffrey and is loyal to him early on. That means he can get away with a lot. Had Charlotte been a stronger person, he would have been more subtle and manipulated her instead of dominating her. We see that in the way he feigns illness, is affectionate and pretends to be reliant on her every time she's built up her resolve to leave him.

Geoffrey's mean streak is evident in the way he pretends to unceremoniously dump Charlotte before surprising her with a proposal. That was her warning. Lucy could see it but Charlotte either could not or would not see him for who he was. Later, even when Geoffrey is not around, we see how his mistreatment has affected Charlotte. She looks tired, drained and worn out. She's also afraid to act; fearing the consequences. Even Judith says unflattering things about her father.

Later still, we see how even Margaret, the child he values, is not immune. She isn't allowed to have her own life or form her own relationships. We can imagine the bleak future that lays ahead for her. At some point she would be treated as horribly as her mother and siblings had been treated.

Do we really need to know why Geoffrey is the way he is? The book may provide those background details but I don't think they were necessary. I don't want to feel his behavior is justified. I'm just happy he was exposed and what was left of his family got a chance to be free of him and experience happiness in a functional environment.


Woman, man! That's the way it should be Tarzan. [Tarzan and his mate]

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