Step into the world of post-war America with “Winter Meeting,” a thought-provoking romantic drama from 1948, now beautifully colorized for a viewing experience like never before. This film, directed by Bretaigne Windust, delivers a nuanced exploration of love, faith, and personal identity as it follows the unexpected connection between a New England poetess and a troubled war hero. Perfect for classic film enthusiasts and Bette Davis fans, this HD download brings a lesser-known but intriguing piece of cinematic history to your screen.
“Winter Meeting” centers on Susan Grieve (Bette Davis), a successful but emotionally reserved poetess living in Manhattan. At a dinner party, she meets Lieutenant Slick Novak (Jim Davis), a decorated naval hero. Despite their different backgrounds, the two form an immediate connection and spend the night together.
As their relationship develops, Susan invites Slick to her country home in Connecticut. There, they reveal their deepest secrets to each other. Susan shares the tragic story of her clergyman father’s descent into insanity and suicide, which estranged her from her mother. Slick confesses his long-held desire to become a priest and the guilt he carries for surviving the war while others perished.
Their burgeoning romance is challenged by Slick’s spiritual calling and Susan’s emotional barriers. The film explores themes of faith, duty, and the conflict between personal desires and societal expectations. As they navigate their feelings and Slick’s potential vocation, both characters must confront their pasts and decide their futures.
“Winter Meeting” features a talented cast:
Bette Davis as Susan Grieve
Jim Davis as Slick Novak
Janis Paige as Peggy Markham
John Hoyt as Stacy Grant
Florence Bates as Mrs. Castle
Walter Baldwin as Mr. Castle
“Winter Meeting” is a romantic drama that delves into complex themes of faith, personal identity, and the challenges of post-war readjustment. Its introspective approach and focus on character development make it a thoughtful exploration of human relationships and individual purpose.
Released in 1948, “Winter Meeting” reflects the social and emotional landscape of post-World War II America. The film touches on themes of survivor’s guilt, the search for meaning after wartime trauma, and the changing roles of women in society. It also represents a transitional period in Bette Davis’s career, as she sought to maintain her status as a leading dramatic actress in an evolving Hollywood landscape.
This colorized version of “Winter Meeting” has been meticulously restored using advanced digital techniques. The process involved carefully analyzing the original black and white footage and assigning appropriate colors to each scene, enhancing the visual appeal while preserving the film’s intimate atmosphere.
The colorization brings new life to the contrasting settings of Manhattan’s social scene and the quiet New England countryside. It allows modern viewers to fully appreciate the film’s production design and costume work, which subtly reinforce the characters’ emotional states and backgrounds.
Director: Bretaigne Windust
Screenplay: Catherine Turney
Based on: the novel by Ethel Vance (Grace Zaring Stone)
Cinematography: Ernest Haller
Edited by: Owen Marks
Music by: Max Steiner
Production Company: Warner Bros.
Distributed by: Warner Bros.
Runtime: 104 minutes
Download Format: MP4
Resolution: HD (1080p)
Compatibility: Compatible with most devices, including smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs.
“Winter Meeting” received mixed reviews upon its release and was not a commercial success. However, it has since gained appreciation for its mature handling of complex themes and Bette Davis’s nuanced performance. While not considered among Davis’s greatest films, it offers a unique glimpse into her range as an actress and the changing landscape of post-war Hollywood cinema.
The film’s exploration of faith, vocation, and personal fulfillment continues to resonate with modern audiences, particularly in its portrayal of characters grappling with their place in a changing world.
Q: Is “Winter Meeting” based on a true story?
A: No, it’s based on a novel by Ethel Vance (pen name of Grace Zaring Stone), but it reflects real post-war social issues.
Q: How does the colorized version enhance the viewing experience?
A: The colorization brings depth to the film’s settings and costumes, helping modern viewers connect more easily with the story’s period and emotional tone.
Q: What makes “Winter Meeting” unique among Bette Davis’s films?
A: It showcases Davis in a more subdued, introspective role, focusing on internal conflict rather than high drama.
Q: Why was the film controversial at the time of its release?
A: Its exploration of religious vocation and romantic love pushed boundaries in 1948, though censorship limited how deeply these themes could be explored.
Q: How long is the movie?
A: The runtime is 104 minutes, allowing for a deep exploration of the characters’ emotional journeys.
Experience the Emotional Depth of “Winter Meeting” Today!