Gwen really annoyed me. The whole movie, whenever Sinatra went near her, she acted like he was going to rape her. She was so weird. I liked when Frank told her off. He says, "You're right, teacher. You're a hundred percent right. I've been a bad boy. I've been naughty. Matter of fact, I don't even belong in your class." Then like a bitch she says, "Quite possibly you don't." Then Frank says, "Well, you won't get a chance to flunk me again."
shareIt's been quite a few years since I have read James Jones' novel "Some Came Running" but I am about to read it on my Nook e-reader (it's a very long novel, 1,000 pages +). As I remember it the Gwen French character in the novel is portrayed as an essentially asexual woman. In the film this is somewhat modified; in fact, given her presence at Ginnie's burial it is not terribly clear whether she and Dave will reconcile. Frankly, I cannot tell but it's interesting to consider. (Note: the Nook version contains edits so I don't know if this affects her character or not.)
I saw the film over the weekend and continue to be impressed by Martha Hyer's performance as Gwen French. She portrays the fairly extreme ambivalence of the character, as written by the screenwriters, very effectively. The character's willingness to back off after her encounter with Ginnie is expertly acted by Ms. Hyer and Ms. MacLaine (both received Academy Award nominations). Excellent acting by all in this film, no doubt encouraged by Mr. Minnelli, the film's director.
She annoyed me too! What a bitch! Who would put up with her? Can you imagine, with all the issues she had, to be married to her?
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