The Women (1939): A divorce comedy without men

ByFabian Bullitt

1939 • George Cukor • 1.37:1 • Jump to Gallery ↓

Directed by George Cukor and based on Clare Boothe Luce’s play, The Women follows a wealthy socialite whose seemingly stable marriage is thrown into turmoil when she discovers her husband’s affair. As she navigates betrayal, gossip, and shifting loyalties within her social circle, her personal situation becomes intertwined with a wider web of female relationships.

Notable for its all-female cast, the film creates a world without men, consisting of self-contained social hubs such as homes, salons, shops, dressing rooms, spas, and ranches, where the women drive the plot forward through dialogue. From gossip to serious discussions about marriage, relationships, and family, the film relies on its prestigious ensemble cast to deliver performances that bring the dialogue to life.

A mix of social comedy and melodrama, The Women paints a portrait of high-society life shaped by appearances, competition, and shifting alliances. In the tradition of classical Hollywood cinema, its theatrical dialogue is elevated by great cinematic staging and a perfect sense of style.

Technical Specs:

  • The Story: A wealthy Manhattan housewife discovers her husband is having an affair, triggering a cascade of gossip, betrayal, and solidarity among her social circle—all played out without a single male actor on screen.
  • Actors: Norma Shearer, Joan Crawford, Rosalind Russell, Paulette Goddard, Joan Fontaine, Mary Boland, Marjorie Main.
  • Director: George Cukor
  • Year: 1939
  • Cinematographers: Joseph Ruttenberg, Oliver T. Marsh
  • Origin: American Cinema
  • Aspect Ratio: 1.37:1
  • Genre: Drama & Romance
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