Two fine performances from Bette Davis and Charles Boyer turn this rather long historical melodrama into a classic tearjerker. Set in 19th century France, it's the story of the love a Duke (Boyer) has for his children's governess (Davis). His passionate wife (Barbara O'Neil) is wildly jealous, although she has no reason to be, as the Duke has never shown his affection for his employee. This could so easily have been pure ham, but Davis and Boyer both struck a fine balance with relatively restrained portrayals. Despite the film's length, director Anatole Litvak, maintains its mood and tension throughout. Indeed, subjectively, it doesn't feel that long - time passes far too quickly in the company of these stars.


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