Kenneth Lonergan on William Wyler's Dodsworth

This worldly, richly layered adaptation of Sinclair Lewis’s 1929 novel is one of the triumphs of the storied career of director William Wyler—and that’s saying a lot. A stoic yet tender Walter Huston brilliantly inhabits the title character, a newly retired Midwestern auto magnate whose marriage to the perpetually dissatisfied Fran (early talkies star Ruth Chatterton in perhaps her finest role) is put to the test during an extended voyage to Europe. Mary Astor, David Niven, and Paul Lukas round out the luminous supporting cast as the various objects of flirtation who guide the Dodsworths as they change life’s course. Considered a high watermark of Hollywood sophistication upon release, this Samuel Goldwyn production (a Retrospective selection in NYFF24) increasingly feels like a singular movie about the variable definitions of American progress, with Wyler effortlessly depicting the shifting tides of marriage with restraint and maturity. Restored by the Academy Film Archive and The Film Foundation, in association with The Samuel Goldwyn Jr. Family Trust, with funding provided by the George Lucas Family Foundation.

A centerpiece of New York culture since 1963, the New York Film Festival will introduce the most essential new cinematic works from around the world to U.S. audiences in its Main Slate. NYFF will also continue to feature a variety of titles in different sections and sidebars, including Spotlight on Documentary, newly rejuvenated classics in Restorations and Revivals, a diverse selection of international and locally made Shorts, the ever-expanding experimental showcase Projections, and the immersive storytelling experiences of the cutting-edge Convergence. Additionally, there will be an exciting lineup of special events, free filmmaker talks and panel discussions, and the latest editions of our annual Industry and Critic Academies.

Follow NYFF for updates:

Film at Lincoln Center is dedicated to supporting the art and elevating the craft of cinema and enriching film culture.

Film at Lincoln Center fulfills its mission through the programming of festivals, series, retrospectives, and new releases; the publication of Film Comment; the presentation of podcasts, talks, and special events; the creation and implementation of Artist Initiatives; and our Film in Education curriculum and screenings. Since its founding in 1969, this nonprofit organization has brought the celebration of American and international film to the world-renowned arts complex Lincoln Center, making the discussion and appreciation of cinema accessible to a broad audience, and ensuring that it remains an essential art form for years to come.

[alwaysblake]

Everything about Dodsworth is brilliant, but it's Ruth Chatterton's blistering, brave performance that makes it unforgettable.

[bikefixer]

No mention that the director was the great William Wyler. DODSWORTH stands alongside his other films, including DEAD END, WUTHERING HEIGHTS, JEZEBEL, THE LITTLE FOXES, THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES, THE HEIRESS, ROMAN HOLIDAY, FRIENDLY PERSUASION, THE BIG COUNTRY and BEN-HUR.

[FlyingOverTrut]

I love this movie. It's one of my favorites. I plan on seeing it in LA next week.

[BadGuyRants]

Huston gives in Dodsworth probably one of if not the greatest performance by an actor in any American film.

[pillettadoinswartsh]

David Mamet listed this movie in his "Only four perfect films"
1. The Godfather
2. A Place in the Sun
3. Dodsworth
4. Galaxy Quest

[juliedidlick]

My favourite film. I love it. Such great messages in it. And the great message in it of what women really want. To want to go anywhere with a man like that and he knowing the woman wants that. just the confidence. and the opposite when those act helpless to keep a person trapped.

[metube]

Lonergan is an outstanding film maker. Margaret is his masterpiece.