MovieChat Forums > Craig's Wife (1936) Discussion > Little Known Classic Masterpiece

Little Known Classic Masterpiece

posted 17 years ago by wmoores
7 replies | jump to latest

I was searching for Billie Burke' movies when I stumbled across this. I started to pass it up as BB was not in a starring role but decided to watch it anyway. It turned out to be Rosalind Russell's first starring roll, and what a part she played as the domineering wife of Walter Craig, (John Boles). I doubt that Bette Davis could have been *itcier than Roz in this movie. It is an unforgettable role for Roz but quite unlike the commedienne she would eventually become. Oh, yes, Billie was there, polishing up her voice for her future Glinda role in The Wizard of Oz. This is a must see...such a treasure from the 30s. Don't miss it. I gave it a 9.

[–] creek_girl 17 years ago

I know that Billie Burk's voice must be an affect, but I'm not familiar with her other work. Did she have a different voice in her earlier or later roles? It's such a well known voice that I knew it was her before I saw her face because I paying closer attention to my ironing during her first scene in "Craig's Wife" than I was to the movie.

"This is not good for my rage."

[–] Waterfairy 17 years ago

She had that same voice in every movie I ever saw her in. lol You can definitly pick her out without ever seeing her.

It's called a llaaaannce--Hellooooo

[–] wmoores 17 years ago

I don't think Burke's voice was an affectation. I can see where that idea might have come about if you watched Wizard of Oz before you saw her other movies. She is fantastic in A BILL OF DIVORCEMENT and DINNER AT EIGHT, probably her best starring roles.

[–] creek_girl 17 years ago

She must have one of the most original and famous voices in Hollywood.

"This is not good for my rage."

[–] lastmidnite2 16 years ago

Watch Billie in the Bette Davis film "In This Our Life". She plays an unhappy, sick woman, and uses a deep voice with none of her affectations.

[–] wmoores 14 years ago

Maybe her voice was deep because she was 'sick.' I watched that movie but didn't remember the deep voice, which might have been an affection for this particular role.

[–] poetcomic1 13 years ago

But have you seen one of her BEST roles? THE YOUNG IN HEART in which she is the matriarch of a family of grifters and con artists. One of the most delicious unknown films EVER. Her natural sweetness is a perfect foil to her wicked ways.
I love her in everything.