The Women (1973)

Adapted from the acclaimed Clare Boothe play and re-released in a new print, George Cukor's The Women may not be quite as daring as it was upon its debut 65 years ago, but this is still a witty and layered comedy drama about society pressures and female competitiveness.

Though she seems to have it all - nice home, home and sweet kid - Mary (Shearer) isn't happy. Her unseen husband is playing the field, and he's currently engaged in an affair with Crystal Allen (Crawford). She's an attractive shop assistant whose fast track to a higher social circle won't be halted by the moral quibbles of society. It seems that most of Mary's pals know what's going on, but are content to spread sly gossip rather than offering her any real support. If that wasn't enough cattiness for one movie, there's also Sylvia (Russell), whose chief joy in life seems to be watching her friends suffer...

By only using a cast of female actors, Cukor has not only made a unique film for its age, but he also cleverly manipulates the audience (and in the process, sells the movie to men) by letting us think that he's exposing some fundamental truths about female-kind. Whether he succeeds is very debatable for the women depicted here seem to spend most of their time arguing over the chaps and doing little else - well, other than maintaining the home and trying to look pretty. Even within these limited parameters, however, there's much to enjoy; the dialogue is sharp - startlingly vicious on one occasion - and the performances are exquisitely judged. The Women may seem tame by today's standards, but this is no relic.