This film of F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel captures Gatsby's character without the frills of the lavish productions to follow.
It is the story of the mysterious Jay Gatsby whose wealth seems to have been accumulated almost with one end in mind: to win back Daisy, the woman he loved and lost years before.
The famous book had much to say about American society during the 1920's. Some of that feeling comes through in this film, but probably not enough to please people who admire the novel. The film has copped some flack over the years.
I think Alan Ladd made a good Gatsby. He is quietly spoken, which belies the things we learn that he has done in his life, which include bootlegging as well as showing leadership and bravery on the battlefield in WW1. Ladd's unsmiling, serious demeanour gives his Gatsby a sense of hidden depths, but Ladd also gives him vulnerability, especially where Daisy is concerned.
Betty Field was an interesting choice for Daisy. The makers of all the versions of the story realised that Daisy has to project something more than pure glamour. Here is F. Scott's Fitzgerald's description of her: "Her face was sad and lovely with bright things in it, bright eyes and a bright passionate mouth ... a conscientious expression ... Slenderly, languidly ... an expression of unthoughtful sadness".
There was controversy over the choice of Betty Field. Apparently the original director quit when the beautiful Gene Tierney wasn't cast in the part. Betty Field, not a typical beauty, was a subtler choice. This film treats Daisy more sympathetically than in the book, her act of betrayal at the end comes as a shock although this is where the filmmakers made the most changes, spelling things out where F. Scott Fitzgerald was more oblique.
The production of the film is adequate if somewhat studio bound, although it is the performances that make or break this film. Familiar Hollywood faces filled out the supporting roles, but the role of Gatsby was critical. As far as I'm concerned, I think Alan Ladd was never better cast. It usually isn't considered his best movie, but I feel it probably is.
The story has enough going for it to make all the movie interpretations interesting. When all is said and done, this one holds up pretty well.
It is the story of the mysterious Jay Gatsby whose wealth seems to have been accumulated almost with one end in mind: to win back Daisy, the woman he loved and lost years before.
The famous book had much to say about American society during the 1920's. Some of that feeling comes through in this film, but probably not enough to please people who admire the novel. The film has copped some flack over the years.
I think Alan Ladd made a good Gatsby. He is quietly spoken, which belies the things we learn that he has done in his life, which include bootlegging as well as showing leadership and bravery on the battlefield in WW1. Ladd's unsmiling, serious demeanour gives his Gatsby a sense of hidden depths, but Ladd also gives him vulnerability, especially where Daisy is concerned.
Betty Field was an interesting choice for Daisy. The makers of all the versions of the story realised that Daisy has to project something more than pure glamour. Here is F. Scott's Fitzgerald's description of her: "Her face was sad and lovely with bright things in it, bright eyes and a bright passionate mouth ... a conscientious expression ... Slenderly, languidly ... an expression of unthoughtful sadness".
There was controversy over the choice of Betty Field. Apparently the original director quit when the beautiful Gene Tierney wasn't cast in the part. Betty Field, not a typical beauty, was a subtler choice. This film treats Daisy more sympathetically than in the book, her act of betrayal at the end comes as a shock although this is where the filmmakers made the most changes, spelling things out where F. Scott Fitzgerald was more oblique.
The production of the film is adequate if somewhat studio bound, although it is the performances that make or break this film. Familiar Hollywood faces filled out the supporting roles, but the role of Gatsby was critical. As far as I'm concerned, I think Alan Ladd was never better cast. It usually isn't considered his best movie, but I feel it probably is.
The story has enough going for it to make all the movie interpretations interesting. When all is said and done, this one holds up pretty well.