The Cabin in the Cotton

With all the emphasis on Bette Davis in this film, it is easy to overlook the musical interest. I counted four different musical groups, each assigned to a different "class". There was the marching band at the funeral (black used at a poor white event), the jug band (white, at the poor white party), the jazz band (black, at the rich white party), and the blues singer. This is a surprisingly rich array of styles.

Interestingly, only the blues singer (Clarence Muse) is credited.

The Cabin in the Cotton (1932)

*** (out of 4)

Set in the South, this melodrama from Warner deals with the rich plant owners who continue to get everything they want while the poor "tenants" continue to grow poorer and not being able to feed their children. Marvin Blake (Richard Barthelmess) grew up as one of the poor kids but after getting an education thanks to land owner Norwood (Berton Churchill) he's put in the middle of the two sides. THE CABIN IN THE COTTON isn't a complete success but the cast is so good and the direction by Michael Curtiz is so on the mark that you can't help but be entertained. The biggest thing going for the film are the performances with Barthelmess leading the way in his part as the man caught in the middle. I thought the actor did a very good job at being torn by the two sides and you really believe everything that his character is going through. Dorothy Jordan is good as the poor girl who loves him and Bette Davis is grand as the Southern Belle who's also after him. Davis is incredibly beautiful here and she fits the role perfectly and especially the now famous line dealing with her refusing to kiss because she's just washed her hair. Churchill is also very effective in his role as is David Landau, Tully Marshall and Henry B. Walthall. The biggest problem with the film is that it's quite predictable from start to finish. Also, there's a prologue saying that the producers aren't taking sides in the matter and that they're presenting this film "as is" it is in life. Well, I think having all the poor people being whites was a bit unfair and I do think this takes away from the film. Still, fans of the stars will still want to check this out.

In the deep south, the Blakes are a poor tenant farming family picking cotton for wealthy landowner Lane Norwood. The father sends his only son, Marvin Blake (Richard Barthelmess), to school and works himself to death. Lane's daughter Madge Norwood (Bette Davis) hires Marvin for her store and keeps him with his studies.

This is a pre-Code drama. I would like a more specific time and place to nail down the situation. There are some brutal subject matters although this movie is not about the black folks. I've seen Barthelmess before. He retired after the war. His acting style in this reminds me of the silent era. It stands out from the others and is a little awkward, but that does fit his character. Of course, the bigger name is Bette Davis. Sometimes, I do wonder if screen presence is more recognition than acting power. In this case, Bette is playing the sassy flirt which allows for some big acting.

Cotton-picking farm boy Richard Barthelmess (as Marvin Blake) is saddened by the sudden death of his father, who was conflicted by young Barthelmess' growing fondness for higher education. In order to support his poor family, Barthelmess goes to work for the sharecroppers' miserly plantation owner, Berton Churchill (as Lane Norwood), who also pays for his schooling. Alas, an educated Barthelmess causes political trouble for his fatherly employer.

Barthelmess is really too old to be playing a school-age kid. The costume, lighting, and make-up do not hide the strain. Fortunately, Barthelmess, a fine actor, would follow this with some more suitable roles, like "Heroes for Sale" (1933). "The Cabin in the Cotton" has good direction (by Michael Curtiz), an interesting story, and a finely-wizened supporting cast. Barthelmess' leading ladies are sweet Dorothy Jordan (as Betty Wright) and sassy Bette Davis (as Madge Norwood). Ms. Davis, who delivers the memorable line, "I'd like to kiss ya, but I just washed my hair," is outstanding.

***** The Cabin in the Cotton (10/15/32) Michael Curtiz ~ Richard Barthelmess, Bette Davis, Dorothy Jordan, Berton Churchill

For those who are looking for a thoughtful and socially relevant Hollywood film, Cabin In The Cotton is it. The movie is rather quaint, even compared to other films of its time, but that's part of its charm.

The subject matter is unusual, in that both the struggling sharecroppers, and the wealthy land owners are portrayed as flawed individuals. Bette Davis performance as Madge gave her an early career opportunity to impress critics. Unlike her future roles, though, it isn't large or challenging. There is enough there to allow her to be a vulnerable,spoiled, and sexy minx. She also has eccentric dialogue and a glamorous wardrobe. Richard Barthelmess, in the lead role, as well as the supporting players, give very authentic performances. The cinematography is striking,giving the film a realistic rural atmosphere. A powerful and intelligent scene near the end reminds us that, in any profession, the necessary relationship between labor and management will always be a difficult battle.