Now, Voyager was made in 1942 and starred the impeccable Bette Davis and Paul Henreid. The movie is adapted from the original novel written by Olive Higgins Prouty, with a wonderful screenplay written by Casey Robinson.

The Story

Bette Davis stars in this classic early depiction of feminism and mental illness as Charlotte Vale, the daughter of a very prestigious Boston family with a controlling aristocratic mother who imposes a great deal of emotional and mental abuse upon Charlotte. As a result of this abuse Charlotte has broken down emotionally; completely losing her self-confidence.

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October, 1942 – Bette Davis’ performance in Now, Voyager proves that there is no limit to the wonderful talent she brings to the screen. Her excellent work in the role of Charlotte Valle in this Warner Brothers production adds to her already impressive character resume. 

Mildred Rogers (Of Human Bondage), Gabrielle Maple (The Petrified Forest), Julie (Jezebel), Judith Traherne (Dark Victory), and Queen Elizabeth (The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex), provide only a sample of her tremendous talent.

The transformation of her character Charlotte Valle in Now, Voyager from a plain, fragile unhappy spinster who is driven to a breakdown only to face her own destiny and re-emerge as a charming and glamorous woman who finally finds romance is another outstanding performance by the enormously talented Bette Davis.

This is a film and a performance to cherish. Bring your hankies.