Customer Reviews

The Sisters (1938) [VHS]

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Three sisters face maritals problems in this film that features one of the most subdued performances by Bette Davis you will find. Davis is the oldest sister, and the one with biggest marital problems, since she is married to a drinking, unfocused sportswriter played competently by Errol Flynn. Anita Louise is very good as the flighty middle sister, who marries a wealthy older man (Alan Hale) for security and a chance to see the world. Jane Bryan is also effective as the younger sister who marries a very stable and boring Dick Foran for love, and seems to have it all. Besides troubles with her husband, Davis also has to contend with the great San Francisco earthquake of 1906, re-enacted fairly well. Davis usually displayed more fireworks in other melodramas, but her performance matches the tone of this film. The Sisters isn't particularly exciting or surprising, but it is well made and well acted by the stars and a great supporting cast that includes Beulah Bondi, Henry Travers, Donald Crisp, and Lee Patrick. It's a classy effort.

This is the story of three sisters at the turn of the century and their marital woes, with the focus on the eldest sister, Louise, played by an uncharacteristically demure Bette Davis, who falls in love at first sight with Frank, a rascally sports reporter, played by the ever handsome Errol Flynn. He, too, is smitten at first sight.

Louise and Frank elope and move to San Francisco. At first, all seems right with the world. Louise concentrates on making a home, while Frank works to support them and tries to write the great American novel in his spare time. Soon, their honeymoon comes to an end, as Frank returns to his dissolute ways, drinking heavily. When he loses his job and the bills pile up, Louise gets a job. This ends up putting somewhat of a kibbosh on the relationship, and Frank leaves.

Right after he abandons his wife, she is caught up in the San Francisco earthquake. Rescued, she recovers from her physical injuries, but is still traumatized by Frank's abandonment. Slowly she begins to recover under the attentive ministrations of her employer who cares for her. She makes herself into a success on the job, but still longs for Frank. What happens to Louise, makes for an entertaining melodrama.

The sets and costumes are wonderful in the film. Ms. Davis and Mr. Flynn are excellent in their respective roles, as is the strong supporting cast. The earthquake scenes alone are worth the price of the video. Bette Davis fans will not be disappointed.

"The Sisters", is a largely unknown film today and certainly in the filmographies of legends Bette Davis and Errol Flynn it is overshadowed by these two performers other efforts that same year in the classics "Jezebel", and "The Adventures of Robin Hood". Compared to these two it's not surprising that memory of this film is faint however it does deserve to be better remembered as it is a finely crafted period drama with very capable performances by the two leads in the first of their two screen teamings. Boasting rich period settings, beautiful cinematography and a strong group of character actors ably supporting the leads, it is your typical class "A" production from the late 1930's where no expense was spared. It offers Bette Davis also a refreshing change of pace from her usual power house characters and she delivers a beautifully unplayed performance as the long suffering wife of rogueish Errol Flynn.

Based on the novel by Myron Brinig, "The Sisters", tells of the trials and tribulations that occur in th elives of three sisters over a four year period that begins and ends with a Presidential Election Ball. and finds each of the three Elliot sisters, Louise (Bette Davis), Helen (Anita Louise), and Grace (Jane Bryan)realising through the strange courses that their lives have taken them that life in general is made up of almost equal parts of happiness and heartbreak. The three sisters are all very different in character with the eldest Louise being the very practical one of the trio. Although linked with sensible Tom Knivel (Dick Foran), at the election ball she is swept off her feet by aspiring writer Frank Medlin (Errol Flynn), who after a whirlwind courtship whisks her off to a new life in San francisco much against the wishes of her concerned parent Ned and Rose Elliot (Henry Travers and Beulah Bondi). Louise however finds life in San Francisco not easy as Frank hits the bottle over not being able to write his great novel and then abandons her after she loses their baby. She then faces the terror of the San Francisco earthquake alone and unsure of where her husband actually is. Helen is the flighty one of the sisters who dreams of money and excitment in far off places. She implusively agrees to marry much older businessman Sam Johnson who provides her with the material security she craves however soon he dies and Helen embarks on a series of unsatisfactory and brief romances that leave her empty. Grace is the one that stays at home and eventually marries Tom and settles down to domestic bliss only to discover that her aspiring politican of a husband has been having an affair behind her back. The sad course that each of their lives have taken them however doesn't remove the strong and loving bond that exists between the three sisters and when the Election Ball looms on the horizon again all three siters return to their home town where with help from her siblings Grace is reunited with her husband, Helen learns a lesson in responsibility, and importantly Louise is by the efforts of family friend Tim Hazleton (Donald Crisp), reunited with a humbled Frank who has returned from the Orient where he went to find some purpose to his existence. As the story began so it ends with Louise, Helen, and Grace linking arms in the middle of the Election Ball in a united display of sisterly love.


For those seeking the usual "Bette Davis", performance there will definately be a surprise in store after watching her subtle underplaying in "The Sisters". Errol Flynn despite his personal differences with Davis proves himself capable of restrained acting as well and despite appearing a little too well scrubbed in his down and out scenes, also is very believable and teams well with Davis. Anita Louise, a beautiful young actress makes perfect casting as the flighty Louise and Jane Bryan who also scored a great success playing the secret daughter of Bette Davis the next year in the classic "The Old Maid", does great work here as her younger sister (!), who settles for love and marriage. The supporting cast are one of this film's great strengths and full credit must go to Beulah Bondi, Henry Travers and Donald Crisp for their always expert playing of the vital main supporting characters in this story. Veteran Alan Hale, a regular in many Flynn epics excels as the unloved older husband of Anita Louise's character who tragically dies trying to keep up with his giddy younger wife. Directed with a sure hand by Anatole Litvak he manages to keep all the different threads of this story together and is excellent at keeping Bette Davis under control and free of alot of her usual acting mannerisms. The highlight of the story is of course the depiction of the 1906 earthquake. Certainly not as spectacular as MGM's 1936 "San Francisco",effort it is nevertheless quite harrowing and many scenes were actually lifted from the earlier 1927 silent classic "In Old San Francisco". The new footage of Bette Davis surviving the quake is expertly incorporated with the earlier footage and makes a fitting climax to the story. Attention to detail is top class in "The Sisters", with special mention going to Orry Kelly's stunning and highly authentic turn of the century costumes that suit the cast so well and the rich period settings that in alot of ways have a strong "MGM" feel to it.

While this film would probably never be on any film buff's top ten list it is however a beautifully wrought production from the golden era of Hollywood filmmaking. It's story is not a particulary original or startling one but for those who enjoy well acted period dramas with a gifted cast of seasoned professionals then "The Sisters", is sure to entertain. Bette Davis shows her great versatilty as an actress here and her very different type of performance here as louise Elliot Medlin alone makes this film well worth viewing and an essential part of any Bette Davis fan's film library.

Bette Davis and Errol Flynn star in this rather undervalued 1930s drama called Sisters. The plot moves along at a good pace and the convincing acting had me every step of the way. This is one Better Davis movie that is truly worth watching; and Errol Flynn fans will want this one as well!

The action starts at a ball in Silver Bow, Montana, to celebrate the election of Teddy Roosevelt to the presidency in 1904. We meet the Elliott sisters and their parents. Helen Elliott (Anita Louise) marries a rich older man in a marriage of convenience while Grace (Jane Bryan) marries Tom Knivel (Dick Foran). Louise (Bette Davis), however, falls in love at first sight with Frank Medlin (Errol Flynn) and elopes with him just one week later; Louis and Frank head for San Francisco where Frank lives to live a happily married life.

Or so they planned. It's not long after that Frank begins to drink more and more, much to Louise's disappointment. Frank's attempt to write a novel stalls; and Louise suffers a miscarriage after an exhaustion collapse. Frank soon wonders if Louise would be better of without him when he gets fired and can no longer find a job.

Of course, the plot can go anywhere from here. The sisters took a vow to help each other no matter what: Will Grace and Helen be able to help Louise forget Frank even though Louise still loves him? What happens to Frank after he leaves Louise--will he ever come back to her? What about the San Francisco earthquake--how will this affect Louise and Frank? No spoilers here--you'll have to watch the movie to find out!

The movie attempts to be faithful to the theme of the three Elliott sisters always being there for one another. However, make no mistake about it--this movie belongs to Bette Davis. Even Errol Flynn supports Davis despite the fact that he got top billing. Bette Davis turns in a remarkably fine performance as a young Louise Elliott who marries Frank Medlin for better or for worse.

The cinematography really shows its force in scenes like the ball and the aftermath of the San Francisco earthquake; and the choreography shines just as strong throughout the film.

In short, Bette Davis fans will consider this a must have for their collections; and Errol Flynn fans will not be disappointed, either. Sisters is a fine vehicle for both Davis and Flynn; and I highly recommend it for people who enjoy classic movies from the 1930s.

Based on a forgotten piece of women's book club fiction, this dated little soap opera would be totally forgotten if it weren't for the first teaming of Errol Flynn and Bette Davis. She plays a long-suffering "nice" woman who marries Flynn, an unreliable scamp with a penchant for drink; their relationship goes downhill in a sort of weak version of "Sister Carrie." Censorship and commercialism keep the film from exploring the true horror of this relationship, and Flynn looks far too fit and glamorous for his role as a dissolute, self-loathing loser... rather ironic since that's exactly what he became in life. The two stars shone much brighter in their rematch the next year in the Technicolor "Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex" -- unfortunately no longer on video.

As the eldest of three sisters, Davis runs off with San Francisco newspaper reporter Flynn, a handsome weakling who takes to drink when he can't earn enough of a living to support the woman he loves. Flynn flees leaving the pregnant Davis heartbroken; there is the expected happy ending only after Davis surviving the Great Quake. Stock Footage from Warner's 1927 film IN OLD SAN FRANCISCO was used and it's more than adequate. Look closely for Susan Hayward in a bit. This picture was directed by the respected Anatole Litvak, who, at the time was married to Bette's nemesis - Miriam Hopkins. Davis admitted that she felt that Flynn's performance here was better than that of his Essex in their next picture THE PRIVATE LIVES OF ELIZABETH AND ESSEX. Lee Patrick is outstanding as the Madam at an Oakland brothel with a heart of gold - she helps the pregnant Davis get through the Quake! During the making of this film, Helen Hayes, fresh from her stage hit VICTORIA REGINA paid Davis a visit on the set and paid her a compliment on her work; they would work together only once - in Agatha Christie's MURDER WITH MIRRORS (1985) along with John Mills. Mills commented about working with the feisty 77 year-old Davis "I was never so scared in my life. And I was in the war!" Well-acted, this is one of Bette's lesser known efforts.

This is defintly a great romantic film. It has a great story line and will keep your interest. This film was based on a book. Errol Flynn and Bette Davis are great in it. It's a kepper! Buy it and you wont be disappointed.

"The Sisters" is a romantic drama set in the early 20th Century starring Bette Davis, Anita Louise, and Jane Bryan as the sisters with Errol Flynn, Alan Hale, and Dick Foran as their respective spouses. It was based on the best selling 1937 novel by Myron Brinig. The film was originally to be advertised as "Errol Flynn in the Sisters", but Bette Davis demanded equal billing and also objected to the obvious sexual innuendo.

Bette Davis (1908-89) is a film icon. She appeared in nearly 100 films, was nominated for an Oscar 11 times and won twice ("Dangerous" in 1935 and "Jezebel" in 1939), nominated for an Emmy 4 times and won once ("Strangers" in 1979), 3 Golden Globe Nominations, and for "All About Eve" (1950) she won awards at Cannes, in Italy, and the New York Film Critics. According to AFI she is the #2 female screen legend .

Errol Flynn (1909-59) got his break out role as "Captain Blood" (1935) and the rest is history. By 1938 Flynn was a top star with such films as "The Charge of the Light Brigade" (1936), "The Prince and the Pauper" (1936), and "The Adventures of Robin Hood" (1938). He is listed #35 by AFI in the 100 greatest actors of all time.

This was the first film for Flynn and Davis, who didn't get along (partly because Flynn got top billing). They worked together again in 1939 on "The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex", but never again. In this film their onscreen chemistry is much better than it was in "Elizabeth and Essex", where, at one point, Davis smacked Flynn so hard in the face his ears were ringing.

Flynn was unabashed in his praise for Davis' acting skills. He called her "the greatest thing in movies" and said "she was a far better actress than I could ever hope to be an actor."

Beulah Bondi (1888-1981) was nominated twice for Best Supporting Actress ("Of Human Hearts" in 1938 and "The Gorgeous Hussy" in 1936) and won an Emmy in 1977 for "The Waltons". She is best remembered for playing Granny in 1948s "So Dear to My Heart". Bondi plays the Davis' mother.

Alan Hale Sr. (1892-1950) marries Anita Louise, the youngest sister. Hale was part of Flynn's "Corps of Actors" and a frequent sidekick to Flynn in films such as "Robin Hood" (1938), "Virginia City" (1940), "The Sea Hawk" (1940), "Santa Fe Trail" (1940), and "Gentleman Jim" (1942).

Donald Crisp (1882-1974) appeared in more than 150 films from 1908 through 1963. He won Best Supporting Actor for "How Green was My Valley" (1941) and gave memorable performances in films such as "Mutiny on the Bounty" (1935), "The Charge of the Light Brigade" (1936), "Jezebel" (1938), "National Velvet" (1944), and "The Long Gray Line" (1955). Crisp plays a family friend.

The film was directed by Anatole Litvak, a Ukranian born Jew. Litvak is best known for his work on "The Snake Pit" (1948) for which he was nominated for an Oscar and a DGA (he lost to John Huston for "Treasure of the Sierra Madre"). He was nominated for a second time for "Decision Before Dawn" (1951). Given his background Litvak liked to make anti-Nazi films (e.g., "Divide and Conquer", "The Nazis Strike", "The Battle of Russia", "War Comes to America", "Night of the Generals"). This was Litvak's first film upon moving to the U.S.

Austrian composer Max Steiner (1888-1971) does a great job. Between 1935 and 1956 he was nominated for an Oscar 19 times, and won for "Since You Went Away" (1944), "Now Voyager" (1942), and "The Informer" (1935). He was so well known that he appeared on a 33 cent stamp (1999) along with Dimitri Tiomkin and Alfred Newman.
The San Francisco earthquake scenes use footage from "Old San Francisco" (1927)

Variety said the film was "a virtual cavalcade of early 20th-century American history" and added, "Davis turns in one of her most scintillating performances" and said that "Flynn's happy-go-lucky reporter is a vivid portrayal." Life Magazine said "Bette Davis acts with such extraordinary grace, sensitivity, and distinction that hers is already being acclaimed the movie performance of the year."

1938 was a pretty good year for films. The top grossing films were "You Can't Take it With You", "The Adventures of Robin Hood", `Boys Town", "Alexander's Ragtime Band", "Sweethearts", and "Marie Antoinette". The Oscars were to "You Can't Take it With You" (Picture, Director), "Boys Town" (Actor), and "Jezebel" (Actress). Other notable films released that year were "Algiers", Cagney and O'Brien in "Angels with Dirty Faces", John Garfield's film debut in "Four Daughters" and Gable and Tracey in "Test Pilot".

If you like 30s romantic dramas, this film will appeal to you. It's also a nice peek at turn of the century small town America. That being said, personally, I find it funny when Bette Davis took a role as a "beautiful" women, which she clearly was not. And I never cared for Errol Flynn sans moustache, nor in this type of film. Nor do I care for Alan Hale and Errol Flynn playing independently of each other - they were a great team, but in this film they rarely share any scenes. And Bette Davis is pretty demure in this film, something that really doesn't cater to her remarkable gifts.