MovieChat Forums > The Woman in White (1948) Discussion > Marian Very Different in Book

Marian Very Different in Book

posted 11 years ago by TomInSanFrancisco
5 replies | jump to latest

Remember early in the movie, when Marian says she and Laura are totally different -- and that Laura is so "feminine?" Marian doesn't go on to say that she herself is masculine -- that would make no sense coming from Alexis Smith. But that point is made over and over again in the book. Marian is described there as being swarthy, even "ugly." But she also has the supposedly "masculine" qualities of intelligence and bravery -- she's active, Laura is passive. In solving the mystery, Marian is essential -- she's as much a hero as Walter.

Giving her part to the beautiful and feminine Alexis Smith robs the story of one of its most remarkable elements.

[–] parisel 9 years ago

Just curious. Who would you have chosen to play Marian, of the actresses of the day? Or is there someone today you can picture?

I guess it's like looking at clouds. You see one thing and I see another. Peace.

[–] rebekahrox 9 years ago

Ana Maxwell Martin? Christina Ricci?

[–] parisel 9 years ago

At a younger age perhaps. I had never seen Anna Maxwell Martin until recently in Death Comes to Pemberley. I have to admit I think she was very miscast in the role of Elizabeth Bennett.

I guess it's like looking at clouds. You see one thing and I see another. Peace.

[–] GalacticLaughter 7 years ago

I just watched this on TCM. I would say that Agnes Moorehead would have been near-perfect casting as Marian (though at the time she was too old for the part, I still would have rather seen her cast than anyone else). Moorehead seems criminally underused in the role of the obedient Countess Fosco.

Orson Welles in his later years (circa 1950s / 1960s) would have been magnificent as Count Fosco!

* SPOILER ALERT *

Marian's character was changed for the movie because they made her the love interest. Odd, because it would have been far more interesting for Walter to fall in love with Marian as she was characterized in the novel.

[–] cpmorr 7 years ago

Sigourney Weaver in her younger days would have been well cast as Marian, possessing a severe and unconventional look (particularly in 1850s England) and traits that would have been considered 'masculine' at that time.