haniaelrawy I quote this line from Pierre's worthy advice for Henriette to leave the house before it's too late.Unfortunately she declined the advice and insisted on staying bringing catastrophic incidents on the whole family including the man she loved.I think that Henriette didn't really love Le Duc but she only admired his character as being decent gentle and a kind father.She tells Pierre that Le Duc is a fine gentleman. If it were a real sincere love Henriette would have left the house as soon as possible saving the children and the man she loved the tragic incidents that happened later Charles Boyer's natural gift of subtle romantic performance remains insuperable.He stole the scenes whenever he appeared on the screen and the scene of his dying was really a masterpiece.I wonder why he is underappreciated and one can rarely find critics discussing or analysing his work.In fact the whole atmosphere of the movie is enchanting and captivating.I must admit that I am caught in the spell of the movie especially Boyer's magic performance and I don't even wish to escape.

kindtxgal Bette Davis drips innocence and pathos in this romantic period piece as governess of four French children in an already unhappy household set in mid-1800's. Granted the acting is superb, the music swells back & forth with each (and many) unhappy moment, and the cinematography outstanding as well. Davis' takes a job as governess in an already unhappy household. Her innocent, loving presence brings a breath of fresh air & happiness to all except the wife who grows more convinced of shenanigans between Davis & Boyer who love one another without acknowledging it bound by their mutual love of the children. The wife is SO bad, the governess is SO good, the husband is SO honorable, the children are really only able to be truly the innocents amidst it all -- and ultimately they pay for it. Davis is supposed to be the true victim, as is Boyer, but it is the children ultimately lose their home -- father, r mother (albeit faulty), and doting governess... yet that is not the focus. Perhaps the film wants to prove how ugly gossip and innuendo can destroy purest of intentions, but well, hubby & governess ARE a bit too naive especially for that period. I found myself more dissatisfied than sympathetic w/those two clinging to their glaring naivete. If you're wondering what in the world I'm blabbing about, please do watch this film! Because it is so splendidly written, directed, acted, and overall packaged, I can give it at minimum four stars. One thing is for sure, it is quite entertaining and absorbing! I just don't buy the message I think it wanted to convey is all.

vincentlynch-moonoi Although a fan of Bette Davis', and of old movies in general, somehow I had never seen this film. What a treat it was to finally see it.It is an extremely well done period piece. The story stems from a new French teacher who has a scandal in her past, which the are aware of. They attempt to humiliate the new teacher (Davis), but she instead tells them her story. And it's a humdinger.I've never been a particular fan of Charles Boyer, but he is excellent here as the patriarch of the family to which Bette Davis (in a bravura performance) becomes governess. The matriarch of the family is clearly mentally ill and manipulative. I couldn't place her at first, and then realized that she was Scarlett O'Hara's mother in GWTW. She (Barbara O'Neill) is excellent here, and was nominated for the best supporting actress Oscar. Harry Davenport is one of my favorite character actors, but I don't think his servant role is right for him here, though key to the story line.The setting for the scenes on All Hallow's Eve are ethereal and as spooky as you'll ever see.Although the course of the plot is somewhat predictable -- easy to guess that Boyer will kill his wife -- this is one film where the question in your mind is what specific event will lead him to do so, and that sustains the suspense. The outcome of the murder, however, surprised me! Interestingly, this is based on a true story of an event that helped lead to the 1848 Revolution in France. Read the Wikipedia summary to learn that it's possible the real life story had a different ending that we would probably think was too fantastic if it had been part of this film! It's extremely rare that I give a film a "9", but this one is well deserving. Highest recommendation!A very good summary of the real life of Bette's character can be found at findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=37793248. A summary of the real Duke's life can be found on Wikipedia.

toribrown Anatole Litvak's All This, and Heaven Too, was filmed in 1940. It was based on a true story of Henriette Deluzy Desportes who was a French governess. She cared for the children of Duc de Praslin, and then fell in love with him, though he was a married man. His wife was murdered and Henriette and the Duc are suspected of the crime. The slow panning of the scenery and settings highlighted the lavish setting, costumes and props. Bette Davis was outstanding in her role as Henriette. Though the mistresses aren't always characters people like, one can't help but like Davis. Her care and concern for the Duc and his children are warming, and develop her character even more. She portrays someone who is graceful, delicate and kind. Though the Duc and his wife are not together he does not leave his wife.