# Jezebel

> 1938 film by William Wyler

**Wikidata**: [Q618741](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q618741)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jezebel_(1938_film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/jezebel

## Summary
Jezebel is a 1938 American romantic drama film directed by William Wyler and starring Bette Davis. The film tells the story of a headstrong Southern belle whose actions lead to personal and romantic turmoil in pre-Civil War New Orleans.

## Key Facts
- Released in 1938 by Warner Bros. Entertainment
- Directed by William Wyler, a Swiss-German-American director known for *Ben-Hur* and *The Best Years of Our Lives*
- Stars Bette Davis in the lead role, who won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance
- Henry Fonda co-stars as Preston Dillard
- Set in New Orleans in 1852, before the American Civil War
- Genre: romance film and drama film
- Production company: Warner Bros. Pictures
- Runtime: 103 minutes
- Budget: $1,250,000
- Box office: $675,966
- IMDb rating: 7.6/10
- Rotten Tomatoes score: 96%
- Nominated for five Academy Awards, winning Best Actress for Bette Davis
- Preserved in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant"
- Part of the National Film Registry

## FAQs
**What is the plot of Jezebel?**
The film follows Julie Marsden, a headstrong Southern belle in pre-Civil War New Orleans, whose rebellious behavior and pride lead to the loss of her fiancé, Preston Dillard. When he returns to New Orleans, Julie attempts to win him back, but her actions have lasting consequences that affect everyone around her.

**Who are the main actors in Jezebel?**
Bette Davis stars as Julie Marsden, the central character, and won the Academy Award for Best Actress for this role. Henry Fonda plays Preston Dillard, Julie's fiancé. The cast also includes George Brent as Buck Cantrell and Margaret Lindsay as Amy Bradford.

**What awards did Jezebel win?**
Jezebel won the Academy Award for Best Actress for Bette Davis's performance. The film was also nominated for four other Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress (Fay Bainter), Best Cinematography (Ernest Haller), and Best Original Score (Max Steiner).

**Why is Jezebel considered significant in film history?**
Jezebel is significant for its portrayal of a complex female protagonist and its exploration of themes like pride, redemption, and the social constraints of the antebellum South. It marked Bette Davis's second Academy Award win and demonstrated William Wyler's skill in directing dramatic performances. The film's preservation in the National Film Registry underscores its cultural and historical importance.

**What is the historical setting of Jezebel?**
The film is set in New Orleans in 1852, during the antebellum period before the American Civil War. This setting provides the backdrop for the social customs, class structures, and racial dynamics that influence the characters' actions and the story's conflicts.

## Why It Matters
Jezebel matters as a landmark film that showcases Bette Davis's extraordinary talent and solidified her status as one of Hollywood's greatest actresses. The film's exploration of a flawed, complex female character was ahead of its time, offering a nuanced portrayal of pride, redemption, and the consequences of social transgression. Directed by William Wyler at the height of his powers, Jezebel exemplifies the sophisticated storytelling and technical craftsmanship of 1930s Hollywood. Its preservation in the National Film Registry recognizes its enduring cultural significance and its role in shaping American cinema's approach to character-driven drama. The film also provides valuable historical insight into the social dynamics of the antebellum South, though through a romanticized lens, making it both an artistic achievement and a cultural artifact.

## Notable For
- Bette Davis's Academy Award-winning performance as Julie Marsden
- William Wyler's direction, showcasing his skill with dramatic performances
- Being preserved in the United States National Film Registry for cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance
- Its portrayal of a complex, flawed female protagonist in 1930s Hollywood
- The film's exploration of themes like pride, redemption, and social constraints in the antebellum South
- Its five Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture
- The on-screen pairing of Bette Davis and Henry Fonda
- Its historical setting in pre-Civil War New Orleans, providing context for social customs and class structures
- The film's technical achievements in cinematography and original score
- Its role in establishing Bette Davis as one of Hollywood's premier actresses

## Body
### Production and Release
Jezebel was produced by Warner Bros. Pictures and released in 1938. The film had a budget of $1,250,000 and grossed $675,966 at the box office. It premiered on March 10, 1938, with subsequent releases throughout the month. The production was part of Warner Bros.' strategy to create prestige pictures that could compete for Academy Awards.

### Creative Team
William Wyler directed the film, bringing his meticulous attention to performance and detail. Wyler, born in 1902 in Mulhouse, Switzerland, was known for his work on films like *Ben-Hur* (1959) and *The Best Years of Our Lives* (1946). The screenplay was adapted by Clements Ripley, Abem Finkel, and John Huston from the play by Owen Davis Sr. Ernest Haller served as cinematographer, and Max Steiner composed the original score.

### Cast and Characters
Bette Davis stars as Julie Marsden, the headstrong Southern belle whose actions drive the plot. Davis, born in 1908, was already an established star when she took on this role, which would earn her the Academy Award for Best Actress. Henry Fonda plays Preston Dillard, Julie's fiancé, in one of his early major film roles. The supporting cast includes George Brent as Buck Cantrell and Margaret Lindsay as Amy Bradford.

### Historical Context and Setting
The film is set in New Orleans in 1852, during the antebellum period before the American Civil War. This setting is crucial to the story, as it establishes the social customs, class structures, and racial dynamics that constrain and define the characters' actions. The choice of New Orleans as a location adds to the film's atmosphere, with its unique cultural blend and historical significance in the American South.

### Themes and Analysis
Jezebel explores themes of pride, redemption, and the consequences of social transgression. Julie Marsden's character embodies the conflict between individual desire and societal expectations, making her a complex and compelling protagonist. The film examines how pride can lead to personal downfall and how redemption might be achieved through sacrifice and self-awareness. These themes are universal, contributing to the film's enduring relevance.

### Critical Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, Jezebel received positive reviews for its performances, particularly Bette Davis's, and its sophisticated storytelling. The film's five Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, underscored its critical success. Over time, Jezebel has been recognized as a significant work in American cinema, preserved in the National Film Registry for its cultural, historical, and aesthetic importance. Its portrayal of a complex female character was ahead of its time and has influenced subsequent films.

### Technical Aspects
The film runs for 103 minutes and features cinematography by Ernest Haller, known for his work on *Gone with the Wind*. The original score by Max Steiner adds to the film's emotional impact and period atmosphere. The production design and costumes effectively recreate the antebellum South, contributing to the film's immersive quality.

### Related Works and Connections
Jezebel is part of the broader tradition of American films set in the antebellum South, though it distinguishes itself through its focus on character psychology rather than historical spectacle. The film connects to William Wyler's broader body of work, which often explores complex human relationships and moral dilemmas. Bette Davis's performance in Jezebel is part of her legacy as one of Hollywood's greatest actresses, known for her willingness to take on challenging and unconventional roles.

### Preservation and Cultural Impact
The Library of Congress selected Jezebel for preservation in the United States National Film Registry, recognizing its significance in American cultural history. This preservation ensures that future generations can study and appreciate the film's artistic and historical value. Jezebel continues to be screened at film festivals and studied in academic contexts, maintaining its relevance in discussions of classic Hollywood cinema and the portrayal of women in film.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1939)
2. The Movie Database
3. [Source](https://www.loc.gov/programs/national-film-preservation-board/film-registry/complete-national-film-registry-listing/)
4. Jezebel. Rotten Tomatoes
5. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0030287/releaseinfo/)
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0030287/technical/)
8. Kinopoisk
9. Online-Filmdatenbank
10. Bechdel Test Movie List
11. mymovies.it
12. [Source](https://www.acmi.net.au/works/81454)
13. Trakt.tv
14. FilmVandaag.nl