People Will Talk (B- or 2.5/4 stars)
Cary Grant plays Dr. Noah Praetorius, an unorthodox gynecologist/medical professor at a Midwestern college in 'People Will Talk' (written & directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz). Praetorius is much more concerned with matters of the soul than of the human body. He believes in mind control {quite controversial for the time} over medicine as a cure. Though respected by his students/patients, his jealous, more close-minded colleagues sneer at him. One such colleague is an oily anatomy professor named Elwell (Hume Cronyn), who represents the acutely limited attitude of Sen. McCarthy. Prof. Elwell initiates a vicious smear campaign against Dr. Praetorius, trying to discredit him due to a 'shady' past involving his loyal manservant, Shunderson (Finlay Currie) ... who had been twice imprisoned.
While Praetorius is teaching one of his lectures, Debbie Higgins (Jeanne Crain) faints; assumingly at the sight of a young female cadaver. But much to her dismay, a deeper examination reveals that she is, in fact, pregnant -- Joseph L. Mankiewicz's treatment of Debbie as a potential single mom is symbolic to make a point that her 'moral crime' of the time actually pales to other hypocrisies of American society {gee, ya think?}. After Debbie tries to kill herself {macabre, I know}, Praetorius finds himself falling for her; he marries her, & expresses that his initial pregnancy diagnosis was incorrect. But Prof. Elwell continues his hateful campaign against Praetorius; digging up his medical background. And our protagonist must then defend himself to the school's board with the Dean presiding as judge. Confidently explaining his medical beliefs, Praetorius must convince the board of his innocence, as well as to convince Debbie that he married her for love & not pity.
Aside from its odd, contrived plotline, 'People Will Talk' is also too pretentious, talky, & aware of its cleverness for my liking. Mankiewicz obviously aimed for this movie to highlight his angry feelings towards various socio-political institutions/beliefs of the time (abortion, McCarthyism, etc.). Still, I must somewhat commend the film for its ambition, timeliness, black-&-white cinematography, & performances. At age 46, Cary Grant gives one of his better, subtly serio-comic performances. Jeanne Crain is as lovely as ever & is quite serviceable in her role. Margaret Hamilton (the Wicked Witch in 1939's The Wizard of Oz) opens the film as a snoopy 'ole biddy who brings Praetorius' shady past to light. Hume Cronyn is perfectly loathsome as Prof. Elwell. And Finlay Currie is magnificent in only a handful of scenes as Praetorius' mysterious friend/servant. I loved the scene where he lets loose a calmly spoken but potent zinger at Hume Cronyn.
While Praetorius is teaching one of his lectures, Debbie Higgins (Jeanne Crain) faints; assumingly at the sight of a young female cadaver. But much to her dismay, a deeper examination reveals that she is, in fact, pregnant -- Joseph L. Mankiewicz's treatment of Debbie as a potential single mom is symbolic to make a point that her 'moral crime' of the time actually pales to other hypocrisies of American society {gee, ya think?}. After Debbie tries to kill herself {macabre, I know}, Praetorius finds himself falling for her; he marries her, & expresses that his initial pregnancy diagnosis was incorrect. But Prof. Elwell continues his hateful campaign against Praetorius; digging up his medical background. And our protagonist must then defend himself to the school's board with the Dean presiding as judge. Confidently explaining his medical beliefs, Praetorius must convince the board of his innocence, as well as to convince Debbie that he married her for love & not pity.
Aside from its odd, contrived plotline, 'People Will Talk' is also too pretentious, talky, & aware of its cleverness for my liking. Mankiewicz obviously aimed for this movie to highlight his angry feelings towards various socio-political institutions/beliefs of the time (abortion, McCarthyism, etc.). Still, I must somewhat commend the film for its ambition, timeliness, black-&-white cinematography, & performances. At age 46, Cary Grant gives one of his better, subtly serio-comic performances. Jeanne Crain is as lovely as ever & is quite serviceable in her role. Margaret Hamilton (the Wicked Witch in 1939's The Wizard of Oz) opens the film as a snoopy 'ole biddy who brings Praetorius' shady past to light. Hume Cronyn is perfectly loathsome as Prof. Elwell. And Finlay Currie is magnificent in only a handful of scenes as Praetorius' mysterious friend/servant. I loved the scene where he lets loose a calmly spoken but potent zinger at Hume Cronyn.