Becky Sharp (Drama, 1935)

Becky Sharp (1935) is a significant American historical drama film directed by Rouben Mamoulian, marking a milestone as the first feature film to use the three-strip Technicolor process throughout its entirety. It stars Miriam Hopkins in the titular role, with a supporting cast including Frances Dee, Cedric Hardwicke, and Billie Burke. The film is an adaptation of William Makepeace Thackeray's novel Vanity Fair, focusing on the ambitious and manipulative Becky Sharp.
Genre
Historical Drama: The film is primarily a historical drama, set against the backdrop of early 19th-century England and the Napoleonic Wars, with elements of social commentary and character-driven narrative.

Plot
The story follows Rebecca "Becky" Sharp (Miriam Hopkins), a cunning and socially ambitious young woman who navigates the rigid class structure of Regency England. After graduating from a prestigious boarding school, Becky sets out to improve her station in life. She manipulates those around her, including her school friend Amelia Sedley (Frances Dee), to gain access to the upper echelons of society.
Becky's journey includes marrying Rawdon Crawley (Frances Dee), a member of the aristocracy, despite his family's disapproval. Her machinations lead her through various social circles, from the Sedleys' home to the lavish parties of the elite, all while the shadow of the Napoleonic Wars looms. The film captures Becky's rise and fall, highlighting her intelligence and ruthlessness, as well as the consequences of her actions on those around her.
Key events include Becky's manipulation of George Osborne (Ned Sparks), Amelia's suitor, and her eventual downfall as her schemes unravel. The narrative weaves through themes of ambition, class, and the moral decay of the aristocracy, culminating in Becky's realization of the emptiness of her pursuits.
Cast
Miriam Hopkins as Becky Sharp: Hopkins delivers a nuanced performance, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Her portrayal captures Becky's charm, cunning, and eventual vulnerability.

Frances Dee as Amelia Sedley: Dee plays Becky's foil, a kind-hearted but naive friend whose life is affected by Becky's actions.

Cedric Hardwicke as Marquis of Steyne: Hardwicke portrays the wealthy and influential aristocrat who becomes both Becky's benefactor and nemesis.

Billie Burke as Lady Bareacres: Burke adds to the film's social commentary as a member of the aristocracy.

Nigel Bruce as Joseph Sedley: Bruce plays Amelia's brother, a target of Becky's initial schemes.

Alan Mowbray as Rawdon Crawley: Mowbray portrays Becky's husband, whose love for her is tested by her actions.

Additional Notes
Technicolor Innovation: The film's use of three-strip Technicolor was revolutionary, showcasing the technology's potential for dramatic storytelling rather than mere decoration. It was a "demonstration" picture to validate the process, leading to wider adoption in the film industry.

Critical Reception: Contemporary reviews, such as those from The New York Times in 1935, praised the film's visual beauty and Hopkins' performance, though some criticized the adaptation's fidelity to Thackeray's novel.

Historical Context: The film was released during a period of transition in Hollywood, with color technology becoming more prevalent, and it reflected the era's fascination with historical epics and social mobility.

Becky Sharp remains a landmark in film history for its technical achievements and Hopkins' compelling performance, offering a glimpse into the challenges and opportunities of early color cinema.