MGM circumvented the censorship that would otherwise have prevented a film version of Gustave Flaubert's Madame Bovary by adding a prologue and epilogue that assured any and all bluenoses that the story was strictly a work of fiction. James Mason appears as Flaubert, defending his inflammatory novel before a French jury. Thus, the tragedy of Emma Bovary (Jennifer Jones) is offered as a product of Flaubert's imagination, rather than a real-life story. The body of the film concerns Emma's attempt to escape the boredom of her ...
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MGM circumvented the censorship that would otherwise have prevented a film version of Gustave Flaubert's Madame Bovary by adding a prologue and epilogue that assured any and all bluenoses that the story was strictly a work of fiction. James Mason appears as Flaubert, defending his inflammatory novel before a French jury. Thus, the tragedy of Emma Bovary (Jennifer Jones) is offered as a product of Flaubert's imagination, rather than a real-life story. The body of the film concerns Emma's attempt to escape the boredom of her bourgeois existence by marrying a doctor (Van Heflin). She finds life with the physician even more tiresome than her previous experiences, thus begins taking a series of wealthy lovers-all of whom prove to be two-dimensional cads. Unable to tolerate a lifetime of dead-end affairs, Emma eventually commits suicide. The best sequence-indeed, one of the finest set pieces ever directed by Vincente Minnelli-is the "Emma Bovary Waltz" sequence, a dazzling experience in dizzying camera movements. Hal Erickson, Rovi
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Add this copy of Madame Bovary to cart. $4.99, very good condition, Sold by Salzer's Records rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from ventura, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2007 by WarnerBrothers.
Add this copy of Madame Bovary Dvd (Import, Region Free, Sealed, New) to cart. $14.99, good condition, Sold by Gardner's Used Books rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Tulsa, OK, UNITED STATES.
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Seller's Description:
Louis Jourdan, Van Heflin, James Mason, Jennifer Jones. Good. 1949 Run time: 114. NOT sealed and new, despite listing's incorrect heading. 1 Disc is in great condition with minimal signs of use. Minimal wear on case. Tulsa's best used bookstore. Located on South Mingo Road since 1991. No-hassle return policy if not completely satisfied.
This is an extremely well-written and well-presented movie. James Mason?s role as the author, in the court scene, is very impressive, bringing out underlying social issues and women's issues. The beauty of Jennifer Jones and the charm of Louis Jourdan and their acting skills are remarkable. Van Heflin brings out the essence of his part of and betrayed and destroyed, but dutiful husband and father. This is one of the best ?old? movies from 1949. Not to be missed.
