MovieChat Forums > All That Heaven Allows (1955) Discussion > discussion - Cary's relationship with sa...

discussion - Cary's relationship with sarah

posted 16 years ago by bebebisous
7 replies | jump to latest

Yesterday, I watched again this movie. I like this movie very much for his critical view about the 50'. Well, I asked myself, if Sarah is a real true friend of Cary. I had the impression that sarah thought, she was a friend of Cary but also she was unable to change her way of life. She keeps inviting Nora although she exactly knows that Nora is a horrible woman. At the end, I think, the friendship between Cary and Sarah won't continue. What do you think about it?

[–] torquemama2002 16 years ago

No Nora; her name was Mona. Sarah was a friend to Cary the same way a handler was to Benji or Lassie: just someone who kept their charges in line. Sarah and Mona were sisters in the country club sect, so Sarah had to keep Mona in mind for events, social and private.

"Why don't you have another beer?"-Scott Stevens

[–] Cello1949-2 16 years ago

I'd like to think that Cary and Ron move on with their marriage and their lives after Ron recovers, and Cary finds that there are more important things in life than social status and materialism, which we can see she is already leaning towards. Remember, this film is set in the fifties, during the post-war boom, and accumulating wealth, social status, and "what people thought" were paramount.

Hopefully, Sarah and the entire country club set learn a lesson from Cary and Ron's happiness. Sarah kept saying to Cary, "At least you have the children. You don't have to fill your life with parties and club work." Guess it never entered Sarah's mind to volunteer at a soup kitchen or any place where the less fortunate could have been served by her giving of herself. Nope -- it was the country club or nothing. Of course, Sarah will redeem herself in "Magnificent Obsession" by becoming a nurse <G>. (I really love Agnes Moorehead -- read a little about her bio sometime).

And I hope Howard's wife divorces him, gets the house and a great big settlement since he's "the earthy type." And maybe Mona's husband will get tired of her cattiness, divorce her too, and she'll have to marry Mr. Gower, the nosey butcher. ("I sent the boy out to your house twice with the roast. I couldn't figure out where you went.")

[–] AliciaHuberman59 16 years ago

Love your post-credits script!

[–] Cello1949-2 16 years ago

Are you talkin' ta me? Hope so, and if so, thanks. I had fun writing them.

[–] AliciaHuberman59 16 years ago

Yes.

:)

[–] Crystal (534) 6 years ago

It's up in the air. 'Cause Sara's life revolves around the social circle but, she does not truly believe she is doing any harm. She really feels she means well. It's up in the air.

[–] ajr01 (52) 5 years ago

Sara is what you call a loyal friend. Yes, her life is taken up with club work and parties, and she is part of what you might call the 1950's bourgeoisie, but that does not define her. The very reason Cary is her best friend, is because she likes her down to earth manner, and is admiring of the fact, that her life is taken up with other pursuits. Obviously Sara is very concerned when news emerges of her best friend's engagement to her gardener, but she is more concerned about the reactions of other people to the arrangement, (and what that might do to her family) than the situation itself, realizing there is nothing sordid to it. But when Cary insists this is what she wants, and will not be intimidated by the narrow minded attitudes of others, Sara really admires her, and admonishes herself for her own behaviour in this regard, saying "I must say Cary you've got stubbornness and courage!" That is only the compliment of a true friend, and then she suggests to Cary to bring Ron to a social event she is having that weekend, so people can get to know him, instead of relying on their unfounded gossip. (Of course, it isn't Sara's fault, the evening turned into a disaster!). Whatever eventual path Cary chooses, if there is to be a wedding, you can bet Sara will be there as her matron of honour, as true friendship is something that is never broken by convention. To change the subject a little bit, Agnes Moorehead (who plays Sara) along with Jane Wyman, are the best actors in the movie, as the rest do not even come close to their standards.