“ To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all. "— Oscar Wilde
Last year, while doing research for the noir play I did, all the actresses passed around a copy of George Cukor's classic, 'The Women'. Ostensibly for hair-do ideas, but in reality, to capture the cutting underhanded commentary, quick noir-style repartee and outright wittiness of some of the most phenomenal actresses of the day. I mean we're talking: Joan Crawford, a young Paulette Goddard and the AMAZING Rosalind Russell. And yes, Norma Shearer. And there are zero male actors at all in the movie.What is absolutely incredible is how well the movie stands up and how much it still relates to the issues that women have today. (health and fitness, marriage infidelity, raising children, dealing with parents) The pure cattiness of the women should shock me, but at the same time...
Last year, while doing research for the noir play I did, all the actresses passed around a copy of George Cukor's classic, 'The Women'. Ostensibly for hair-do ideas, but in reality, to capture the cutting underhanded commentary, quick noir-style repartee and outright wittiness of some of the most phenomenal actresses of the day. I mean we're talking: Joan Crawford, a young Paulette Goddard and the AMAZING Rosalind Russell. And yes, Norma Shearer. And there are zero male actors at all in the movie.What is absolutely incredible is how well the movie stands up and how much it still relates to the issues that women have today. (health and fitness, marriage infidelity, raising children, dealing with parents) The pure cattiness of the women should shock me, but at the same time...
Well, see while some women in our era have been taught to fight with off handed comments and underhanded dealings, many haven't. And while one should never stoop to using these weapons in polite company, in IMpolite company-the attitude and sharpness comes in handy. One British journalist agrees. These days, it's all about out and out catfights to the delight and entertainment of men. Women of the 30s and 40s still knew how to fight like gentlewomen and proved their brains doing so. It's the company of social climbers, sorority sisters, socialites, communications majors, egotistical actors, Southern belles, cheerleaders and spirit committees. Again, I'm a huge proponent of fighting fair, being upfront and honest and also picking your battles, but if some shrill is going to go to the lengths to try to put you down in the name of her self-esteem; it doesn't hurt to learn to battle like the enemy.
Nancy Blake: You're so resourceful, darling, I ought to go to you for plots.
Sylvia Fowler: You ought to go to someone.
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