L'intrigante de Saratoga

The ultimate entertaining, hugely satisfying movie experience. Gary Copoper and Ingrid Bergman at their absolute peak, she in a role so different from her others--witty, flirtatious theatrical--a light-year from the nun in BELLS OF ST. MARY'S the same year. Sharp, live-wire screenplay from an engaging, bright novel by Edna Ferber, her best. Great Steiner music, quality supporting cast, sumptuous production, full of personality. A treasure.

For sheer boredom, I can't think of another movie of this period that disappoints me at every turn. Both stars are badly miscast (with Swedish Bergman in a black wig), Flora Robson donning dark make-up that makes her almost unrecognizable, and a storyline that drags at an interminable pace.

The only bright spots are Florence Bates in a juicy supporting role and a melodic Max Steiner romantic score out of which came a warm melody called 'As Long As I Live'.

Well, as long as I live, I can't see why anyone can work up much interest or enthusiasm for this Edna Ferber tale that hardly ranks with her best work. Steiner, fortunately, was able to find inspiration even when the film itself was no more than ordinary. The chemistry between Cooper and Bergman is hardly noticeable here.

Trivia: Jack Warner was considering Olivia de Havilland for the role Bergman plays. De Havilland was having contract troubles with the studio at that time and mercifully she managed to let this one escape after complaining of being overworked.

I'll leave it to one of the ladies to give us judgment on Gary Cooper's charm.

For me, this is Ingrid Bergman at her absolute best. Shot just after Casablanca, the screenplay and Sam Wood's common sense choose to focus on Ingrid in every scene but the brief, although well done, train wreck and brawl.

She is radiant, sly, coquettish, warm, reactive, piercing, soft, hard. Most of all, she is desirable. A woman for all time, for all women.

And she is strong. Melting for a brief second, gathering her resolve and forging ahead with her plans and schemes.

The Edna Ferber novel has enough truth to provide a reasonable story line for Ingrid to carry along single handedly. Cooper and Jerry Austin as Cupidon are excellent. Florence Bates gets too little time, too late as a matron with claws.

And French, yes, bless them, they allowed Ingrid to speak French, which she did so beautifully.

The current 6.2 Yahoo rating is laughable. "Saratoga Trunk" may not be a "Casablanca" or "Notorious" but it is far better than this lowly rating. See for yourself.

I found this movie simply delightful! It was lighthearted and fun, even though (or perhaps because?) it contained much conniving, a dash of revenge, a spat of violence, and a heaping helping of delicious conspiracy. The protagonist and all her cohorts are certainly not pillars of virtue, but then again, in reality, people never really are, are they? Besides, all the shenanigans going on are what make it so fun to watch! Ingrid Bergman is gorgeous as the leading lady, and Gary Cooper perfectly cast as the dashing Texan and the rest of the supporting cast definitely added to the fun! Don't get hung up on the history, improbability or the few bad reviews. Give it a chance. It left me with a smile, and I'm a tough cookie! Enjoy! WARNING: Do not watch this if you are looking for a serious period piece with lofty values, and high moral content. Watch it with some popcorn, in your jammies when you're in the mood for some light entertainment. It fits the bill.

Ingrid Bergman (Cleo Dulaine) has never been so beautiful. Gary Cooper as "Cleent" so perfectly cast as a laconic Texan who knows this gal is up to no good. When the two lock eyes at the French Market, we know this match will be full of sparks. When they stroll in her garden in her restored French Quarter house and the love theme plays it is a dream for all us romantics.

The costumes are lovely; the set decoration makes you wish the "Quarter" was just that way. And that Saratoga still had that hotel with the wide veranda with all the old biddies gossiping.

From Edna Ferbers novel, the story is of revenge for old wrongs and the fights over who would run the railroads in the early days of that industry.

In the Saratoga scenes, Florence Bates as a grand dame steals every scene.

But it is the scene of Cleo taking on the little lawyer her New Orleans relatives have sent to buy her off that is a Magic Movie Moment. After Cleo has bested him in the negotiations, he looks at her with longing and says "may I say - you are very-beautiful". And Cleo with a happy, wicked smile says "yes, isn't it lucky." You want to shout "YES"!!!

One of my all time favorite romantic films.