Big June Allyson fan when I was a kid, crush and all. The girl next door, after all...but not next door to me. And now, years later, I can see why the crush: she was a doll! That wonderful voice and sweetness of heart. But now, of course - Lauren Bacall has a voice of a different octave, touched with her unique wry delivery. She's a grown-ups dream. So - you all know the story line - 3 men (and their wives as representatives) are up for a position of significance with Clifton Webb the decision maker. Cornel Wilde (Allyson), Fred MacMurray (Bacall) and Van Heflin (Arlene Dahl) are the contenders. Blatant technicolor and wonderful scenes of New York City - where I happen to be from - gloriously displayed and minus the chronic scaffoldings that adorn every street these current days. With their very different personalities, they vie. If you like just a few of these actors, you'll be happy enough. If you like a good story line and are not especially discriminating, you'll be happy enough. A few good scenes - the dress shopping spree with Bacall and Allyson, the last couple of moments of the show down, etc. - are all there is, basically. Clifton Webb, thankfully, toned down the typical superiority that he constantly indulged in. It was 1954 after all and it shows all over the place.
33 Reviews
Only Fox knew how to put this multiple character studies together
raskimono13 July 2002
In the fifties, Fox specialized in this multiple stories around one theme stories that were making money and the other studios started to copy. Movies like Three Coins the Fountain, How to marry a millionaire, We're not married!, forcing MGM to make Executive Suite which A woman's World is a lot like. One of three men will get the high post of a high-up executive in charge of production for a car company? Who it will be will be decided by the kind of woman they are married to. This film calmly taking its time shows the nuisances of the businessworld, the path to success and failure; the folly/desire for power in the nature of man by contrasting all the characters. The ending is a surprise and so is the movie. And most importantly, it gets better with every viewing.
The Best Couple for the Job is....
JLRMovieReviews28 August 2013
Van Heflin with wife Arlene Dahl, Fred MacMurray with wife Lauren Bacall, and Cornel Wilde with June Allyson are competing for a position left vacant by an executive who has died and left some big boots to be filled in an automobile corporation. Clifton Webb is the President of the company who'll make the decision for the best man for the job (and the best woman) - because she has duties herself - to be an asset to her husband and the company, to be a social butterfly, and just to be ready for anything. Clifton Webb as the President has high expectations for those around him, and he is just the actor for the role, as he has the ego and presence to carry the film on his own. With different personalities and what each can give to the job, Clifton has quite a decision to make. June Allyson is a standout, as she is her usual ebullient self, and Arlene Dahl is decked out to the nines. But of course. As you can tell, I thoroughly enjoyed the film. The characters of the candidates and their spouses are established early on and we feel we are watching real people as they relate to each other in moments of love and moments of disharmony. The film may feel too much like the 1950s and therefore a bit dated, but I think it adds to its entertainment value. But I do grant you the title and how it works itself in is rather corny. But, hey, you're either invested in these peoples' lives or you're not. And, while it may not be that important to be remembered in the long run, Woman's World certainly gives us a chance to see all these stars together. Everyone wins!
Car Lover's Alert
nehresman9 May 2009
Last night I saw Woman's World: The plot concerns three hot shot salesmen who have been summoned to New York for consideration as the general manager of a fictional automobile company. They salesmen are asked to bring their wives along as the company president believes his executives need the proper kind of wife to be an effective senior manager. Much intrigue, drama, and hilarity ensue.
Ford motor company participated significantly in this movie. In addition to a large number of 1954 Ford products, the movie featured two Ford fiftieth anniversary concept cars from 1953: the X-100 and the XL-500
At the beginning of the movie, one couple is shown driving to New York in a Mercury Monterey.
The lead character played by Clifton Web is the president of 'Gifford Motors. Gifford Motors' cars all resemble Ford Motor Company cars. In one scene, the lobby of the Gifford building is shown with the X-100 and the XL-500 displayed. A Gifford manager is demonstrating the features of the X-100 to a member of the public. The Plexiglas roof panel is shown automatically sliding into position as the windows rise to prevent the interior from being damaged in case it rained while the car was left open. Apparently this was a big problem in the 50s as 'automatically closing in case of rain' was a feature of many concept cars including the Buick LeSabre.
Later, the three wives are given a tour of New York in the X-100 with street scenes of the car in front of the New York Public Library and the United Nations among other locations.
Throughout the movie, company executives come and go in a Lincoln sedan and a convertible.
In one scene the president take the three potential general managers to the 'proving grounds' where we see a variety of Fords whizzing around a banked oval at high speeds with appropriate sound effects.
Another scene shows a futuristic feature being demonstrated by three large-scale tabletop models of prototype cars: one model drives forward, stops, makes a whirring sound, and then moves sideways into a parking space between the other two models. Presumably it was lowering dolly wheels when it made the whirring sound. This was a 50s approach to solving the age-old parallel parking problem for which solutions are still being pursued today – see the latest Lexus automatic parallel parking feature. A boardroom scene also shows a tabletop model although it's not clear if it's different from the previous three. There is also a scene in the interior design department with many prototype seats of varying color and design.
In addition to being a great movie, it is a real treat for lovers of early 50s Ford products.
Ford motor company participated significantly in this movie. In addition to a large number of 1954 Ford products, the movie featured two Ford fiftieth anniversary concept cars from 1953: the X-100 and the XL-500
At the beginning of the movie, one couple is shown driving to New York in a Mercury Monterey.
The lead character played by Clifton Web is the president of 'Gifford Motors. Gifford Motors' cars all resemble Ford Motor Company cars. In one scene, the lobby of the Gifford building is shown with the X-100 and the XL-500 displayed. A Gifford manager is demonstrating the features of the X-100 to a member of the public. The Plexiglas roof panel is shown automatically sliding into position as the windows rise to prevent the interior from being damaged in case it rained while the car was left open. Apparently this was a big problem in the 50s as 'automatically closing in case of rain' was a feature of many concept cars including the Buick LeSabre.
Later, the three wives are given a tour of New York in the X-100 with street scenes of the car in front of the New York Public Library and the United Nations among other locations.
Throughout the movie, company executives come and go in a Lincoln sedan and a convertible.
In one scene the president take the three potential general managers to the 'proving grounds' where we see a variety of Fords whizzing around a banked oval at high speeds with appropriate sound effects.
Another scene shows a futuristic feature being demonstrated by three large-scale tabletop models of prototype cars: one model drives forward, stops, makes a whirring sound, and then moves sideways into a parking space between the other two models. Presumably it was lowering dolly wheels when it made the whirring sound. This was a 50s approach to solving the age-old parallel parking problem for which solutions are still being pursued today – see the latest Lexus automatic parallel parking feature. A boardroom scene also shows a tabletop model although it's not clear if it's different from the previous three. There is also a scene in the interior design department with many prototype seats of varying color and design.
In addition to being a great movie, it is a real treat for lovers of early 50s Ford products.
Highly flawed, yet entertaining
vincentlynch-moonoi23 January 2016
Warning: Spoilers
From my perspective, this is a pretty good film with one huge and one small flaw. The huge flaw is making June Allyson's character a buffoon. The small flaw is the lovely Arlene Dahl, who just doesn't work out in this project.
The story is interesting. There's a major opening in the management of an auto company owned by Clifton Webb. Webb believes that in such a position, a wife's role is almost as important as her husband's role. So he invites 3 couples to New York City to try out for the position. The first couple is June Allyson and Cornel Wilde. The second is Fred MacMurray and Lauren Bacall. The third is Van Heflin and Arlene Dahl.
The most interesting couple is MacMurray and Bacall. They're having serious marriage problems. It's not that they don't love each other. It's that they have different goals. MacMurray isn't dealing well with the pressures of business, and Bacall thinks that the promotion will kill him. Will she stay or go? Will he turn down the opportunity or go for it? Then there's June Allyson and Cornel Wilde. He wants the job, but his wife wants "small town" life in Kansas City.
And third is Van Heflin and Arlene Dahl -- Texans. Dahl is overly ambitious, and seemingly more for herself than her very down to earth husband. Loving partner or slut? And then there's Clifton Webb, who is a clever owner of the company. Observing each of the couples carefully while playing things close to his chest.
As mentioned, June Allyson plays the down-to-earth housewife from the mid-west who doesn't feel she will fit in New York City. She doesn't plot to intentionally sabotage her husband, but she's like a hick bull in c china shop. The trouble is, it's overdone and would have been even more effective had it been more subtle. Cornel Wilde is very good as the husband, and it seems like a very different role for him, Van Heflin seems oblivious to his handicap -- his wife. But he learns, and in doing so it's a fairly strong performance (for an actor I don;t usually enjoy much). Arlene Dahl just seems all wrong for this role -- a totally unlikable character that is all to beautiful; and I say that usually having liked her as a second tier actress.
This is hardly Fred MacMurray's best role, but he does "alright" with it. Lauren Bacall shines in it as his wife.
Clifton Webb is excellent here, although his role is secondary here. But he is controlled and poised, just as the role calls for. Webb always had a way of stealing scenes, although here he doesn't. Nevertheless, it's a fine performance. His sister in the film is a sort of balance to him; Margaret Gillmore plays the role just right.
The success of the film turns on whether or not Webb chooses the "right" man/couple for the promotion. He does, although who that right person is will surprise some, although the groundwork for the decision is not laid until late in the film. Interesting turn of events.
Despite the flaws, a unusually interesting film of the type that 20th Century Fox was quite well known for in the 1950s.
The story is interesting. There's a major opening in the management of an auto company owned by Clifton Webb. Webb believes that in such a position, a wife's role is almost as important as her husband's role. So he invites 3 couples to New York City to try out for the position. The first couple is June Allyson and Cornel Wilde. The second is Fred MacMurray and Lauren Bacall. The third is Van Heflin and Arlene Dahl.
The most interesting couple is MacMurray and Bacall. They're having serious marriage problems. It's not that they don't love each other. It's that they have different goals. MacMurray isn't dealing well with the pressures of business, and Bacall thinks that the promotion will kill him. Will she stay or go? Will he turn down the opportunity or go for it? Then there's June Allyson and Cornel Wilde. He wants the job, but his wife wants "small town" life in Kansas City.
And third is Van Heflin and Arlene Dahl -- Texans. Dahl is overly ambitious, and seemingly more for herself than her very down to earth husband. Loving partner or slut? And then there's Clifton Webb, who is a clever owner of the company. Observing each of the couples carefully while playing things close to his chest.
As mentioned, June Allyson plays the down-to-earth housewife from the mid-west who doesn't feel she will fit in New York City. She doesn't plot to intentionally sabotage her husband, but she's like a hick bull in c china shop. The trouble is, it's overdone and would have been even more effective had it been more subtle. Cornel Wilde is very good as the husband, and it seems like a very different role for him, Van Heflin seems oblivious to his handicap -- his wife. But he learns, and in doing so it's a fairly strong performance (for an actor I don;t usually enjoy much). Arlene Dahl just seems all wrong for this role -- a totally unlikable character that is all to beautiful; and I say that usually having liked her as a second tier actress.
This is hardly Fred MacMurray's best role, but he does "alright" with it. Lauren Bacall shines in it as his wife.
Clifton Webb is excellent here, although his role is secondary here. But he is controlled and poised, just as the role calls for. Webb always had a way of stealing scenes, although here he doesn't. Nevertheless, it's a fine performance. His sister in the film is a sort of balance to him; Margaret Gillmore plays the role just right.
The success of the film turns on whether or not Webb chooses the "right" man/couple for the promotion. He does, although who that right person is will surprise some, although the groundwork for the decision is not laid until late in the film. Interesting turn of events.
Despite the flaws, a unusually interesting film of the type that 20th Century Fox was quite well known for in the 1950s.
When CinemaScope was new...
Doylenf3 February 2010
Watching how the actors are strategically placed on screen while performing their chores in WOMAN'S WORLD made me recall how seldom close-ups were used when CinemaScope was new. Instead, medium shots are used almost extensively so that the screen is filled by someone standing far left and the other far right. Occasionally the camera does move in a little closer for an over the shoulder shot, but it's obvious that CinemaScope was new and lensing a film in Wide Screen was not an easy matter.
The performances are all interesting, with LAUREN BACALL and ARLENE DAHL coming off best, while JUNE ALLYSON is forced to play a klutzy housewife with too many slip-ups to be tolerable. CLIFTON WEBB is the auto executive who wants to examine the wives of men he's considering for a top job at his auto plant. The men are well played by VAN HEFLIN, CORNEL WILDE and FRED MacMURRAY.
If you liked films like EXECUTIVE SUITE, all about climbing the corporate ladder, you'll enjoy this one--and furthermore it has sumptuous settings enhanced by color photography. Women will enjoy all the costumes and men will stay tuned to see which man Webb chooses for his open executive job.
Witty dialogue helps with Lauren Bacall handling her lines with the kind of skill she always brought to these kind of roles. Arlene Dahl shows a little more skill than usual as an actress with a strong confrontational scene with Webb.
Worth a look, but don't expect anything deep.
The performances are all interesting, with LAUREN BACALL and ARLENE DAHL coming off best, while JUNE ALLYSON is forced to play a klutzy housewife with too many slip-ups to be tolerable. CLIFTON WEBB is the auto executive who wants to examine the wives of men he's considering for a top job at his auto plant. The men are well played by VAN HEFLIN, CORNEL WILDE and FRED MacMURRAY.
If you liked films like EXECUTIVE SUITE, all about climbing the corporate ladder, you'll enjoy this one--and furthermore it has sumptuous settings enhanced by color photography. Women will enjoy all the costumes and men will stay tuned to see which man Webb chooses for his open executive job.
Witty dialogue helps with Lauren Bacall handling her lines with the kind of skill she always brought to these kind of roles. Arlene Dahl shows a little more skill than usual as an actress with a strong confrontational scene with Webb.
Worth a look, but don't expect anything deep.
Enjoyable film.
hennystruijk20 February 2019
Wonderfully entertaining
ryancm30 August 2007
WOMANS'S WORLD cries out for a DVD transfer. When will it be? It has everything a Fox film of the 50's had. CinemaScope, color, stereo sound, all star cast, New York settings and a sensational musical score. The seven stars really shine here. Clifton Webb is .. well Clifton Webb and does his Clifton Web to the hilt. The men Cornel Wilde; Fred MacMurray and Van Heflin couldn't be better. The women are even better. Lauren Bacall is her usual sophisticated self and is at her best, even better than in HOW TO MARRY A MILLIONAIRE. June Allyson is a delight as the not-so-in with it wife, and Arlene Dahl steals the show with her red hair and ample figure. Although I think Marilyn Monroe would have really excelled in the role as well. The plot line is fun and quite exciting as to who will be the new general manager of a car company. Who gets the job and why is a nice twist. So come on Fox, get this on DVD...NOW.
Behind The Scenery
skallisjr8 November 2005
The story is set in high-powered New York, where an executive in the automotive industry brings in three candidates for a position well up on the corporate ladder. Each man brings his wife along, and as the film proceeds, it's clear that the wives are a factor in considering which of the men will be chosen.
The film shows that there was an unspoken market understanding that an important influence in car purchases is the opinion of the wife of a family. This, again, relates to the film's title.
In one respect, the film is a bit like a mini-Grand Hotel; that is, we get a glance of the personal situations and concerns of each family. But the film spends more than a little time showing off potential automotive designs.
The decision as to whom the position is given pivots on the realization of one of the candidates as to what his handicap is. Given the title of the film, the decision is rather ironic.
The film shows that there was an unspoken market understanding that an important influence in car purchases is the opinion of the wife of a family. This, again, relates to the film's title.
In one respect, the film is a bit like a mini-Grand Hotel; that is, we get a glance of the personal situations and concerns of each family. But the film spends more than a little time showing off potential automotive designs.
The decision as to whom the position is given pivots on the realization of one of the candidates as to what his handicap is. Given the title of the film, the decision is rather ironic.
Corporate World Takes Notice of Managers' Wives
smithy-822 October 2003
In the 1950's, there were three excellent movies about the corporate world: "Executive Suite" (1954), "Woman's World" (1954), and "Patterns" (1956). June Allyson was lucky to be in the first two movies. "Executive Suite" - a heavy drama about replacing the deceased CEO; and in "Woman's World" - a serious comedy about replacing the general manager. What all three movies have in common, is that they are perfectly cast.
In "Woman's World", the concern is picking the right man with the right wife for the job. Of the three movies mentioned, this is my favorite movie about the corporate world. It's been fifty years since these movies have been made and no current movie has come close to portraying the business world. Back then when there was censorship, the movie world was still able to make good movies about the business world. There should be no excuse why writers can't make movies like they did years ago. Only on television, they did succeed and make the TV movie, "Barbarians at the Gate" (1993).
There are three separate stories about three couples being considered for the job. All three couples were perfectly cast, however, they never worked as couples again. They should have! Of the three couples, my favorite were Van Heflin and Arlene Dahl, portraying a married couple from Texas. They were a great team! Arlene Dahl complimented Van Heflin and Clifton Webb.
While Clifton Webb, the CEO of the automobile company, was looking for the next general manager, he was at his most attractive and authoritative best. Rounding out the cast, the next two big roles were played by Elliott Reid, playing the nephew, and by Margalo Gillmore, as the sister-in-law. They were never better!
In "Woman's World", the concern is picking the right man with the right wife for the job. Of the three movies mentioned, this is my favorite movie about the corporate world. It's been fifty years since these movies have been made and no current movie has come close to portraying the business world. Back then when there was censorship, the movie world was still able to make good movies about the business world. There should be no excuse why writers can't make movies like they did years ago. Only on television, they did succeed and make the TV movie, "Barbarians at the Gate" (1993).
There are three separate stories about three couples being considered for the job. All three couples were perfectly cast, however, they never worked as couples again. They should have! Of the three couples, my favorite were Van Heflin and Arlene Dahl, portraying a married couple from Texas. They were a great team! Arlene Dahl complimented Van Heflin and Clifton Webb.
While Clifton Webb, the CEO of the automobile company, was looking for the next general manager, he was at his most attractive and authoritative best. Rounding out the cast, the next two big roles were played by Elliott Reid, playing the nephew, and by Margalo Gillmore, as the sister-in-law. They were never better!
Right Selection?
sb-47-6087371 December 2019
The movie is highly thought provoking and as a management person, I have to think of whether the choice was really right ?
There are three persons, all equally brilliant track record - and are being evaluated for the ultimate (or next to), the CEO of a megalith. The evaluation is done by the President and his confidantes - sister, and nephew. Naturally with equally brilliant performance on line of duty, the line-off-duty too need to be looked at, and for that the best measure considered was to call the wives too and evaluate the wives along with the respective husbands.
Couple #1 - off-duty meek husband and highly ambitious and glamorous wife (Dahl), who would go to any., and I mean ANY extent to further her husband's career.
Couple #2- no off-duty husband. The smart but not too glamorous wife (Bacall) is lonely (though tagging along, since she still genuinely cares), but the husband doesn't have time for wife or children.
Couple#3 - balanced - despite success, family man - deeply devoted couple - though the wife is naive and non sophisticated - a typical housewife who would be fish out of water in high-society gathering.
As a selector, with the men being equal, the selection committee looked at their respective women. Were they looking for the drag coefficient ? As seemed to be from the ending part, as if they were looking how much the wives were handicap to the husbands. Of course that would be one way of looking at the Potential of the candidates - how much they could further, and move away from competition, if the drag was removed ?
To clarify, all these wives were not a drag. In fact they were practically promoting their husbands - one directly, another by being silent and uncomplaining sufferer, and the third through direct emotional support. The selector had to now decide on the drag these spouses still offered and could their men somehow would be able to neutralize the drag ?
To be frank, I don't know if the selection was right. After all some one, who knew of the major handicap (he said it), but didn't do anything about it, for years, can't be the person who goes to the position where every strategic decision have to be taken quickly.
He could be out of the handicap, but that's not what one looks for, it is the quick and right decision making. On that aspect it was wrong. may eb an excellent movie for HR debates.
There are three persons, all equally brilliant track record - and are being evaluated for the ultimate (or next to), the CEO of a megalith. The evaluation is done by the President and his confidantes - sister, and nephew. Naturally with equally brilliant performance on line of duty, the line-off-duty too need to be looked at, and for that the best measure considered was to call the wives too and evaluate the wives along with the respective husbands.
Couple #1 - off-duty meek husband and highly ambitious and glamorous wife (Dahl), who would go to any., and I mean ANY extent to further her husband's career.
Couple #2- no off-duty husband. The smart but not too glamorous wife (Bacall) is lonely (though tagging along, since she still genuinely cares), but the husband doesn't have time for wife or children.
Couple#3 - balanced - despite success, family man - deeply devoted couple - though the wife is naive and non sophisticated - a typical housewife who would be fish out of water in high-society gathering.
As a selector, with the men being equal, the selection committee looked at their respective women. Were they looking for the drag coefficient ? As seemed to be from the ending part, as if they were looking how much the wives were handicap to the husbands. Of course that would be one way of looking at the Potential of the candidates - how much they could further, and move away from competition, if the drag was removed ?
To clarify, all these wives were not a drag. In fact they were practically promoting their husbands - one directly, another by being silent and uncomplaining sufferer, and the third through direct emotional support. The selector had to now decide on the drag these spouses still offered and could their men somehow would be able to neutralize the drag ?
To be frank, I don't know if the selection was right. After all some one, who knew of the major handicap (he said it), but didn't do anything about it, for years, can't be the person who goes to the position where every strategic decision have to be taken quickly.
He could be out of the handicap, but that's not what one looks for, it is the quick and right decision making. On that aspect it was wrong. may eb an excellent movie for HR debates.
Wonderfully sumptuous
jjnxn-112 March 2012
Marvelous entertainment for those who enjoy pretty people dealing with superficial problems in sumptuous settings.
Breezily directed by Negulesco who never lets the handsome trappings overshadow the various goings on. But having the advantage of Cinemascope at his disposal and the setting of New York he makes sure the plush settings are on full view.
He is fortunate to have in every role an actor or star who knows how to register on screen and having the roles and pairs matched so perfectly.
Clifton Webb is upper class dignity personified making Mr. Gifford a humorous, wise, snobbish, mannerly figurehead who turns out to be nobody's fool. As his upper crust sister Margalo Gilmore is a charming delight in her brief scenes.
The three couples vying for the top spot in the company are a fun study of marriage in the 50's.
June Allyson and Cornel Wilde are the sweet small town happily marrieds who love each other and have learned how to balance his upward mobility and a stable home life even if at times June can't help but make a bit of a fool of herself. It's also nice that even though Cornel is incredibly good looking nothing is made of it to make him stand out he just is handsome and that's that.
Van Heflin and Arlene Dahl are the picture of Texas ambition and a hunger to get ahead. Arlene, with as another character points out prime Texas steaks in exactly the right places, is lovely in an over ripe way and her brazenness is a treat to behold with Van's gravity a nice counter balance.
Best of all are the troubled pair of Fred MacMurray and Lauren Bacall. Fred is fine as the stolid man so desperate to get somewhere that he has almost lost what means the most to him but it is Betty Bacall who takes top acting honors as the wounded, wary but good natured and wry Liz. She is slyly knowing in all her line reading but able to show the vulnerability just under the surface. Very good performances in the type of film often loaded with ordinary work.
About those settings, you get to see an aerial view of 50's New York plus many of the sights and the quaintly called country house is a mansion of impressive size and richly appointed rooms. And of course when everybody dresses up they are gowned in amazing clothes and wearing jewels worth many fortunes. A good time.
Breezily directed by Negulesco who never lets the handsome trappings overshadow the various goings on. But having the advantage of Cinemascope at his disposal and the setting of New York he makes sure the plush settings are on full view.
He is fortunate to have in every role an actor or star who knows how to register on screen and having the roles and pairs matched so perfectly.
Clifton Webb is upper class dignity personified making Mr. Gifford a humorous, wise, snobbish, mannerly figurehead who turns out to be nobody's fool. As his upper crust sister Margalo Gilmore is a charming delight in her brief scenes.
The three couples vying for the top spot in the company are a fun study of marriage in the 50's.
June Allyson and Cornel Wilde are the sweet small town happily marrieds who love each other and have learned how to balance his upward mobility and a stable home life even if at times June can't help but make a bit of a fool of herself. It's also nice that even though Cornel is incredibly good looking nothing is made of it to make him stand out he just is handsome and that's that.
Van Heflin and Arlene Dahl are the picture of Texas ambition and a hunger to get ahead. Arlene, with as another character points out prime Texas steaks in exactly the right places, is lovely in an over ripe way and her brazenness is a treat to behold with Van's gravity a nice counter balance.
Best of all are the troubled pair of Fred MacMurray and Lauren Bacall. Fred is fine as the stolid man so desperate to get somewhere that he has almost lost what means the most to him but it is Betty Bacall who takes top acting honors as the wounded, wary but good natured and wry Liz. She is slyly knowing in all her line reading but able to show the vulnerability just under the surface. Very good performances in the type of film often loaded with ordinary work.
About those settings, you get to see an aerial view of 50's New York plus many of the sights and the quaintly called country house is a mansion of impressive size and richly appointed rooms. And of course when everybody dresses up they are gowned in amazing clothes and wearing jewels worth many fortunes. A good time.
Funny romantic drama that surprised me
Hildebrando_Martins_Almeida29 March 2024
Initially skeptical about "Woman's World" (1954), especially since it was directed by Jean Negulesco, whose previous work hadn't impressed me, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of this romantic drama. The film's great merit lies in its impeccable cast. June Allyson, commonly perceived as bland, delivers a hilarious and touching performance as the naive Katie, while Lauren Bacall and Arlene Dahl exude elegance and charm as the sophisticated wives of Ralph (Fred MacMurray) and Ernest (Van Heflin), respectively. Clifton Webb, with his imposing demeanor, commands the screen as the acerbic Mr. Pendergast. MacMurray and Wilde overflow with sympathy in their roles, while Heflin demonstrates his versatility as an actor.
The plot revolves around Katie's "mishaps" and the "schemes" of the ambitious Carla (Dahl), while their husbands vie for the coveted position of company president. Despite the focus on the women, it's a shame that the three husbands are relegated to the background in the story.
Tension mounts as we try to guess which of the candidates will be chosen. The narrative holds some surprises, and I confess I guessed the outcome correctly.
"Woman's World" is a light and enjoyable film, ideal for those seeking quality entertainment. The chemistry between the actors, sharp dialogue, and Negulesco's competent direction (which excels here) ensure a rewarding cinematic experience. I recommend it to all lovers of classic romantic comedies and films with stellar casts.
The plot revolves around Katie's "mishaps" and the "schemes" of the ambitious Carla (Dahl), while their husbands vie for the coveted position of company president. Despite the focus on the women, it's a shame that the three husbands are relegated to the background in the story.
Tension mounts as we try to guess which of the candidates will be chosen. The narrative holds some surprises, and I confess I guessed the outcome correctly.
"Woman's World" is a light and enjoyable film, ideal for those seeking quality entertainment. The chemistry between the actors, sharp dialogue, and Negulesco's competent direction (which excels here) ensure a rewarding cinematic experience. I recommend it to all lovers of classic romantic comedies and films with stellar casts.
Enjoyable film, nearly ruined by lousy Fox DVD
pacificgroove-315-4949312 January 2015
I agree with positive reviews here; the film is an entertaining, well made, confection of 1950's upper class fantasy. Very well written script, and excellent performances from the entire cast. The late great Becall is a standout.
But Fox Cinema Achives made to order DVD (similar to Warner Archives products) is very subpar. Anyone who purchases it is being ripped off (I watched a copy from my public library).
The film is presented in a shrunken letterbox format with wide black areas around the borders; the sort of thing they sometimes used to do when formatting widescreen movies for square TV screens. In fact the video transfer they used was obviously done decades ago. The film looks grainy, colors washed out, and it's not presented in the full Cinemascope aspect ratio, so sides of what picture is shown are cropped. Given what many films of the same era look like when the DVD company spends even a moderate amount of money to do an up to date video transfer (I'm not even talking about a restoration here) this is not acceptable.
This is the first Fox Cinema Archives DVD I've seen; if this is typical of the product they put out, I'd pass up all of their products.
But Fox Cinema Achives made to order DVD (similar to Warner Archives products) is very subpar. Anyone who purchases it is being ripped off (I watched a copy from my public library).
The film is presented in a shrunken letterbox format with wide black areas around the borders; the sort of thing they sometimes used to do when formatting widescreen movies for square TV screens. In fact the video transfer they used was obviously done decades ago. The film looks grainy, colors washed out, and it's not presented in the full Cinemascope aspect ratio, so sides of what picture is shown are cropped. Given what many films of the same era look like when the DVD company spends even a moderate amount of money to do an up to date video transfer (I'm not even talking about a restoration here) this is not acceptable.
This is the first Fox Cinema Archives DVD I've seen; if this is typical of the product they put out, I'd pass up all of their products.
What a Time Capsule
marcslope22 July 2002
Slick, superficial CinemaScope stuff from Hollywood's early-'50s panic attack: How ya gonna keep 'em down at the flicks after they've seen TV? Fox tried to with big screens, splashy colors, and half a dozen or so stars crammed into one entertaining soap-opera premise. There's no cinema-making genius going on here, but the movie is overwhelmingly entertaining, both for its look and its morality. A consumerist's paradise, it's so stuffed with cars and gowns and doodads that you're seized with an overwhelming urge to go shopping after you've seen it. (The cars, in particular, are '50s-futurists designs from Ford/Lincoln/Mercury, and they're knockouts.) And the morality is so utterly of its time: The onscreen drinking and smoking are nonstop, the gender premises (men seek power, women seek men) are unquestioned, and the subtext is clearly that money and power are fine, but holding on to your man is what really counts. And to do that, you'd better learn to be a dear little klutzy wifey like June Allyson instead of a calculating harlot like Arlene Dahl. Of the women, Allyson's wife-waif act becomes monotonous, and while Dahl is luscious to look at and seems to be in on the joke of how one-note her character is, she's not really much of an actress. So Bacall, her crisp-sophisticate act honed to a fine sharpness, comes off best by default. The men are all OK, but New York is the real star.
Wow--this one snuck up on me!
planktonrules10 November 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I had never heard of this film before and picked up the video only because it had Clifton Webb. I have really loved him in the few films he made and thought I'd give this one a shot. To my surprise, it was not only a good film, but a very, very good film--so why isn't it a more famous film? The film has an excellent cast of mostly second-tier stars from the mid-1950s and I liked this because they all were extremely capable actors and actresses. Fred MacMurray (no longer the big-name star he was in the 1930s and 40s), Lauren Bacall, June Allyson, Cornell Wilde Van Heflin and Arlene Dahl all play husbands and wives who come to New York for a big meeting with the CEO (Webb) of a fictional car company (like Cadillac or Ford). Each of the men are up for the newly vacated position as number two in the company and their wives were asked to come along by Webb so he can not only look over the men but their wives to see if they were "#2 material". In many ways, this film seemed a little like a soap opera, as the personal lives and weaknesses or strengths of the marriages were explored as the film unfolded. However, unlike the stereotypical soaper, the film seemed more true to the characters and less salacious. The strength of the marriage and its secrets became a huge theme of the film--and was NOT jam-packed with affairs or crises.
There was really nothing I didn't like about the film. The plot was super-original, there many wonderful moments and performances and the production values of the film were just great. In fact, some of the stars gave real stand-out performances--such as June Allyson and Arlene Dahl. See this film if you want an intelligently written film with a superb ending. You most likely will not be disappointed.
There was really nothing I didn't like about the film. The plot was super-original, there many wonderful moments and performances and the production values of the film were just great. In fact, some of the stars gave real stand-out performances--such as June Allyson and Arlene Dahl. See this film if you want an intelligently written film with a superb ending. You most likely will not be disappointed.
It's a Woman's World All the Way ****
edwagreen30 April 2006
Excellent film depicting 3 nominated men for a top executive job at Gifford Motors.
The ever perfect Clifton Webb shall decide who gets this top spot.
The nominees are Cornel Wilde, Fred MacMurray and Van Heflin, but their wives shall play a crucial role in determining who gets the job since Webb is from the old school that behind every man is a woman....
June Allyson, married to Wilde, is terrific as the ditsy-klutzy wife who can't seem to do anything right. She really doesn't want her husband to get the job and she makes no bones about it.Lauren Bacall is wed to MacMurray. Their marriage has hit the rocks and Bacall vows to leave him after he gets the precious job. She sees the job as a stress-related killer. The most vicious of them is Heflin's Arlene Dahl-vicious to the hilt, she will do anything to get her man the top post.
The ending is marvelously staged and well deserved to all the contestants and their respective spouses.
The ever perfect Clifton Webb shall decide who gets this top spot.
The nominees are Cornel Wilde, Fred MacMurray and Van Heflin, but their wives shall play a crucial role in determining who gets the job since Webb is from the old school that behind every man is a woman....
June Allyson, married to Wilde, is terrific as the ditsy-klutzy wife who can't seem to do anything right. She really doesn't want her husband to get the job and she makes no bones about it.Lauren Bacall is wed to MacMurray. Their marriage has hit the rocks and Bacall vows to leave him after he gets the precious job. She sees the job as a stress-related killer. The most vicious of them is Heflin's Arlene Dahl-vicious to the hilt, she will do anything to get her man the top post.
The ending is marvelously staged and well deserved to all the contestants and their respective spouses.
Underrated, Classy Laugh Out Loud Comedy
Incalculacable29 June 2006
Woman's World was recommended to me through a friend of the family, and I'm very glad they did! Through the 94 minutes of this film, I was laughing out loud constantly (mainly because of June Allyson's goofy character), but also on the edge of my seat wondering who would get the job! It's rather sad that this isn't as well known as it should be, because it is a real laugh but also very climatic.
Three men are up for a major promotion in a car company and the man in charge (Clifton Webb) decides that each are fit for the job, but his decision will be based on one thing: their wives. Bill (Cornel Wilde) and Katie (June Allyson) care about each other too much to sacrifice seeing each other often. Sid (Fred MacMurray) and Elizabeth (Lauren Bacall) fight constantly as her husband is a workaholic, which causes trouble with his health. Jerry (Van Helfin) and Carol (Arlene Dahl) seem to want the job too much, and Carol goes to extreme lengths in an effort to make Jerry get the job.
Woman's World is nothing deep or revolutionary, it's just a classy comedy (I could watch it for the fashions alone!) with some big stars. It does look dated from today's standards, but I still really enjoyed it! The plot stays the same (in many ways, this is good) throughout the movie. Simply, sophisticated and elegant. Great 1954 comedy.
Three men are up for a major promotion in a car company and the man in charge (Clifton Webb) decides that each are fit for the job, but his decision will be based on one thing: their wives. Bill (Cornel Wilde) and Katie (June Allyson) care about each other too much to sacrifice seeing each other often. Sid (Fred MacMurray) and Elizabeth (Lauren Bacall) fight constantly as her husband is a workaholic, which causes trouble with his health. Jerry (Van Helfin) and Carol (Arlene Dahl) seem to want the job too much, and Carol goes to extreme lengths in an effort to make Jerry get the job.
Woman's World is nothing deep or revolutionary, it's just a classy comedy (I could watch it for the fashions alone!) with some big stars. It does look dated from today's standards, but I still really enjoyed it! The plot stays the same (in many ways, this is good) throughout the movie. Simply, sophisticated and elegant. Great 1954 comedy.
Three men on the hot seat. Who will end up in the executive suite? It depends on their women!
mark.waltz8 May 2017
Warning: Spoilers
If she's a social climber, wife Arlene Dahl says, why not climb in New York, the Mount Everest of cities. As she points out, all the important people are there, and she's just one of three wives finding life in the big apple and hoping that their husband will be picked for the top position in powerful Clifton Webb's huge car manufacturer. Dahl's married to Van Heflin, and she's the seemingly most happy of the three. The other wives are unhappy Lauren Bacall (married to the very busy Fred MacMurray) and possible dipsomaniac June Allyson (married to Cornel Wilde). Which one will Webb choose?, to paraphrase a song from an even bigger blockbuster 20th Century Fox blockbuster.
Opening up with a rather bland title song, this seems to be using the globe later turned on daytime's "As the World Turns", a bit of a soap opera and not the complex personal drama of MGM's "Executive Suite". A clichéd script tries to give each character some motivation and purpose, but they are more archetypes rather than flesh and blood. Clifton Webb seems to be there as some sort of figurehead, and fortunately, there's no phony attempt to make him unbelievably masculine. He's still Waldo Lydecker here, minus the goose quill dipped in venom and the rifle filled with buckshot.
Of the three coupled pairings, not one of them seem to be believable, the worst pairing the nervous Allyson and the watchful Wilde. It's interesting to see MacMurray and Bacall together, considering MacMurray's pairing with Bacall's hubby Bogie in the same year's "The Caine Mutiny". Dahl steals her scenes easily, but her oomph is refreshing over the drunk Donna Reed act of Allyson's and Bacall's cold performance.
Great location photography of New York is highlighted by a scene in a department store bargain basement with all sorts of chicanery of the customers to get the dress they want. This film seems to be suffering from too many mood swings, refreshingly comic one moment then dour almost immediately after. Webb, who observes he's got the right man but wrong wife, certainly has a tough decision to make, but not one of the six men or women had me really rooting for them. This woman's world is not a dream world, as far as cinema is concerned.
Opening up with a rather bland title song, this seems to be using the globe later turned on daytime's "As the World Turns", a bit of a soap opera and not the complex personal drama of MGM's "Executive Suite". A clichéd script tries to give each character some motivation and purpose, but they are more archetypes rather than flesh and blood. Clifton Webb seems to be there as some sort of figurehead, and fortunately, there's no phony attempt to make him unbelievably masculine. He's still Waldo Lydecker here, minus the goose quill dipped in venom and the rifle filled with buckshot.
Of the three coupled pairings, not one of them seem to be believable, the worst pairing the nervous Allyson and the watchful Wilde. It's interesting to see MacMurray and Bacall together, considering MacMurray's pairing with Bacall's hubby Bogie in the same year's "The Caine Mutiny". Dahl steals her scenes easily, but her oomph is refreshing over the drunk Donna Reed act of Allyson's and Bacall's cold performance.
Great location photography of New York is highlighted by a scene in a department store bargain basement with all sorts of chicanery of the customers to get the dress they want. This film seems to be suffering from too many mood swings, refreshingly comic one moment then dour almost immediately after. Webb, who observes he's got the right man but wrong wife, certainly has a tough decision to make, but not one of the six men or women had me really rooting for them. This woman's world is not a dream world, as far as cinema is concerned.
Clifton Webb, June Allyson, and Lauren Bacall Shine
drednm10 May 2021
Big, glossy drama about three men (and their wives) competing for a top job at a glossy auto company in glossy New York City. This is one of many of those mid-century films that touted NYC as the greatest city in the world what with its wealth of money and arts and society and all those tall buildings.
In this one Clifton Webb plays the imperial head of the Gifford Auto Co., which boasts its cars are "luxury on wheels." He's interviewing three company men for the general manager job. There's the rather grim Van Heflin from Dallas, easy-going Cornel Wilde from Kansas City, and the up-from-the-ranks Fred MacMurray from Philadelphia. Each one wants ... or thinks he wants ... the big job.
Then there are the wives. Webb tells us over and over again the the manager's wife must also be a special type of gracious thing who'll fit into the Long Island set. Heflin's wife is a man-eater and a social climber (Arline Dahl), Wilde's wife is the homey but not-so-dumb type (June Allyson), and MacMurray's is the salt-of-the-earth type (Lauren Bacall).
Each couple has some private domestic dramas to deal with as they are dazzled by Emerald City and as the men jockey for position. Dahl heads right for the prize (Webb) while Bacall and Allyson deal with life in the big city. Funniest scene has the latter two going to a "bargain basement" to buy an evening dress for Allyson and almost being killed in the mob of hysterical women. Film culminates in a weekend party at Webb's Long Island estate where his sister (Margalo Gilmore) assesses the wives.
As the title suggests, the women basically take the story while the men drone their way through the auto factory etc. And while the men are pretty much forgettable, the gals (and Webb) have a high old time. Allyson and Bacall are especially good. As for the cars, the various models are Fords and Mercurys and Lincolns (minus any emblems) are showcased and the story includes one of those "cars of tomorrow" scenes that's quite fascinating.
Also in the cast are Elliott Reid as the nephew, Alan Reed as the Italian restaurateur, and look fast for Billie Bird, Kathryn Card, and Elinor Donahue in the bargain basement.
Highly enjoyable mid-century drama with a dash of comedy.
In this one Clifton Webb plays the imperial head of the Gifford Auto Co., which boasts its cars are "luxury on wheels." He's interviewing three company men for the general manager job. There's the rather grim Van Heflin from Dallas, easy-going Cornel Wilde from Kansas City, and the up-from-the-ranks Fred MacMurray from Philadelphia. Each one wants ... or thinks he wants ... the big job.
Then there are the wives. Webb tells us over and over again the the manager's wife must also be a special type of gracious thing who'll fit into the Long Island set. Heflin's wife is a man-eater and a social climber (Arline Dahl), Wilde's wife is the homey but not-so-dumb type (June Allyson), and MacMurray's is the salt-of-the-earth type (Lauren Bacall).
Each couple has some private domestic dramas to deal with as they are dazzled by Emerald City and as the men jockey for position. Dahl heads right for the prize (Webb) while Bacall and Allyson deal with life in the big city. Funniest scene has the latter two going to a "bargain basement" to buy an evening dress for Allyson and almost being killed in the mob of hysterical women. Film culminates in a weekend party at Webb's Long Island estate where his sister (Margalo Gilmore) assesses the wives.
As the title suggests, the women basically take the story while the men drone their way through the auto factory etc. And while the men are pretty much forgettable, the gals (and Webb) have a high old time. Allyson and Bacall are especially good. As for the cars, the various models are Fords and Mercurys and Lincolns (minus any emblems) are showcased and the story includes one of those "cars of tomorrow" scenes that's quite fascinating.
Also in the cast are Elliott Reid as the nephew, Alan Reed as the Italian restaurateur, and look fast for Billie Bird, Kathryn Card, and Elinor Donahue in the bargain basement.
Highly enjoyable mid-century drama with a dash of comedy.
The better half is WORLDly-wise
melvelvit-126 October 2006
An auto magnate invites three company executives to NYC to look them -and their wives- over to decide which one gets to be second-in-command...
This all-star ensemble film is a throwback to 30's fare like DINNER AT EIGHT & GRAND HOTEL and runs rings around its competition -the turgid EXECUTIVE SUITE (made the same year). It's a sleek, tres sophisticated time capsule of America's mores & morals in the Fab 50's and the stellar cast shines in tailor-made roles, especially Arlene Dahl as a scheming doll trying to sleep her husband's way to the top. She'd later steal the show in 1956's SLIGHTLY SCARLET. Boasting Cinemascope, snappy dialogue, stunning NYC locations and competent direction by Jean Negulesco, one can only imagine what Douglas Sirk could have done with this amusing opus. A "dramedy" is what it would probably be called today.
A 1954 review: "Some movies are wonderful because they look so expensive -that's the biggest charm of "Woman's World". Those gorgeous gowns distributed between Arlene Dahl and Lauren Bacall, those flashy automobiles of the future sparkling like jewels on display, those breathtaking, panoramic views of New York, the Wonder City. And seven movie stars generously sharing the Technicolor light. Clifton Webb is here with his urbane, supercilious manner, as president of Gifford Motors, an outrageously prosperous business empire. He's looking for a new general manager to replace the old one, now dead. He invites the three brightest men in his organization to New York. More important, he invites their wives. The ladies, in fact, will be the decisive factors in his choice. Fred MacMurray, his ulcer and his estranged mate, Lauren Bacall, arrive from Philadelphia. Out of Texas come Van Heflin and the powerfully seductive Arlene Dahl. And Cornel Wilde planes in from Kansas City with his very lovable but painfully unsophisticated spouse -June Allyson. There follows a tense, grueling struggle for position which starts at the swank Plaza Hotel and plays itself out on a Connecticut estate where Webb's sister (Margalo Gillmore) gives the candidates a final once-over. Much is revealed about husbands, wives and worldly ambition in this slick, entertaining film."
Highly recommended!
This all-star ensemble film is a throwback to 30's fare like DINNER AT EIGHT & GRAND HOTEL and runs rings around its competition -the turgid EXECUTIVE SUITE (made the same year). It's a sleek, tres sophisticated time capsule of America's mores & morals in the Fab 50's and the stellar cast shines in tailor-made roles, especially Arlene Dahl as a scheming doll trying to sleep her husband's way to the top. She'd later steal the show in 1956's SLIGHTLY SCARLET. Boasting Cinemascope, snappy dialogue, stunning NYC locations and competent direction by Jean Negulesco, one can only imagine what Douglas Sirk could have done with this amusing opus. A "dramedy" is what it would probably be called today.
A 1954 review: "Some movies are wonderful because they look so expensive -that's the biggest charm of "Woman's World". Those gorgeous gowns distributed between Arlene Dahl and Lauren Bacall, those flashy automobiles of the future sparkling like jewels on display, those breathtaking, panoramic views of New York, the Wonder City. And seven movie stars generously sharing the Technicolor light. Clifton Webb is here with his urbane, supercilious manner, as president of Gifford Motors, an outrageously prosperous business empire. He's looking for a new general manager to replace the old one, now dead. He invites the three brightest men in his organization to New York. More important, he invites their wives. The ladies, in fact, will be the decisive factors in his choice. Fred MacMurray, his ulcer and his estranged mate, Lauren Bacall, arrive from Philadelphia. Out of Texas come Van Heflin and the powerfully seductive Arlene Dahl. And Cornel Wilde planes in from Kansas City with his very lovable but painfully unsophisticated spouse -June Allyson. There follows a tense, grueling struggle for position which starts at the swank Plaza Hotel and plays itself out on a Connecticut estate where Webb's sister (Margalo Gillmore) gives the candidates a final once-over. Much is revealed about husbands, wives and worldly ambition in this slick, entertaining film."
Highly recommended!
Finally
ron-fernandez-pittsburgh30 May 2014
WOMAN'S WORLD has finally made it to DVD. Bout' time...It's released thru Fox Archive. Glad it isn't panned and scanned, but wish it were in full scope instead of scaled down. By that I mean it's letter-boxed the way it was filmed, but formatted for a square screen. Who has square screens nowadays? The plot is interesting centering on which one of three men will be promoted to General Manager of an automobile company. The three men and their wives are invited to New York to be 'looked' over for the job. The wives would play an important role when it comes to the final choice. Good acting by the three couples and Clifton Webb is perfect as the head honcho. Who will get the job. Interesting how it turns out. There are nice shots of old New York as second unit as I don't think anyone left the 20th Century Fox lot. Rear projection is a problem here. Anyway, this is a must see if one likes good old stars, good story and especially a nice plush musical score. This is a MUST SEE. As someone stated before, it would have been great to cast MM in the Arlene Dahl role. Guess what? This is a very entertaining movie without one single car crash, no buildings blown up, no violence, no nudity and No F...words!! Amazing isn't it? Could just imagine how it would be if there would be a remake in todays market.
If It Were Done Today
bkoganbing14 March 2005
I'm not sure how the movers and shakers of television never saw the Dynasty like possibilities in It's A Woman's World. Who knows, maybe some sharp TV executive will read this critique and act on it.
Lots of star power operating here and nicely mixed by Director Jean Negulesco. Automobile industry scion Clifton Webb is looking for a new general manager of Gifford Motors. His three top candidates are his franchise managers in Dallas (Van Heflin), Philadelphia (Fred MacMurray), and Kansas City(Cornel Wilde). Webb brings all three of them and their wives to New York so he evaluate all of them, including the spouses.
Van Heflin and Texas gal Arlene Dahl are ambitious, but she far more than he. Fred MacMurray and Lauren Bacall are on the verge of splitting up over his total dedication to his job, Bacall doesn't want her hubby to have it because that ulcer he's got will exponentially increase and eventually kill him. Cornel Wilde would like the job, but not if it means upsetting homebody wife June Allyson. Who will get the nod. Watch the film boys and girls.
Clifton Webb is still the aesthete and as acerbic as ever, but he's toned down some from Laura and The Razor's Edge and Belvedere films. Still he's a joy to watch, silently evaluating those three Hollywood hunks.
One thing I can't figure out. All the major automobile companies main offices are in Detroit. So why isn't the film located there, especially since Webb and the other three visit a factory? Answer; Detroit just ain't got the glamor of the Big Apple, never has never will. It wouldn't be that much of a stretch from Kansas City to Detroit for June Allyson and Arlene Dahl would look real silly saying to Van Heflin that she's fallen in love with Detroit. This was before the Ewing family made Dallas chic, you know.
It may have been a Woman's World back then, but a Woman's World consisted of just being in support of the male breadwinner. If the film were made today, one of the women would be an executive in the film. If not for reality, definitely for political correctness.
Which brings up an interesting possibility. Clifton Webb was the closest thing to an out male movie star that gay people had back then. One of the big "inside" jokes of the time was one of the wives offering up her body to Webb for that promotion for hubby. If one of the husbands offered himself to Webb for his wife's promotion, I don't think Webb would have turned down any of them, especially Cornel Wilde.
It's nice soap opera if your taste runs to that kind of film and maybe we'll see a 21st century version of it yet.
Lots of star power operating here and nicely mixed by Director Jean Negulesco. Automobile industry scion Clifton Webb is looking for a new general manager of Gifford Motors. His three top candidates are his franchise managers in Dallas (Van Heflin), Philadelphia (Fred MacMurray), and Kansas City(Cornel Wilde). Webb brings all three of them and their wives to New York so he evaluate all of them, including the spouses.
Van Heflin and Texas gal Arlene Dahl are ambitious, but she far more than he. Fred MacMurray and Lauren Bacall are on the verge of splitting up over his total dedication to his job, Bacall doesn't want her hubby to have it because that ulcer he's got will exponentially increase and eventually kill him. Cornel Wilde would like the job, but not if it means upsetting homebody wife June Allyson. Who will get the nod. Watch the film boys and girls.
Clifton Webb is still the aesthete and as acerbic as ever, but he's toned down some from Laura and The Razor's Edge and Belvedere films. Still he's a joy to watch, silently evaluating those three Hollywood hunks.
One thing I can't figure out. All the major automobile companies main offices are in Detroit. So why isn't the film located there, especially since Webb and the other three visit a factory? Answer; Detroit just ain't got the glamor of the Big Apple, never has never will. It wouldn't be that much of a stretch from Kansas City to Detroit for June Allyson and Arlene Dahl would look real silly saying to Van Heflin that she's fallen in love with Detroit. This was before the Ewing family made Dallas chic, you know.
It may have been a Woman's World back then, but a Woman's World consisted of just being in support of the male breadwinner. If the film were made today, one of the women would be an executive in the film. If not for reality, definitely for political correctness.
Which brings up an interesting possibility. Clifton Webb was the closest thing to an out male movie star that gay people had back then. One of the big "inside" jokes of the time was one of the wives offering up her body to Webb for that promotion for hubby. If one of the husbands offered himself to Webb for his wife's promotion, I don't think Webb would have turned down any of them, especially Cornel Wilde.
It's nice soap opera if your taste runs to that kind of film and maybe we'll see a 21st century version of it yet.
Three actors, three actresses-- how would you pair them up?
Irie21221 November 2009
If you had this cast of six actors (in alpha order, men then women): Van Heflin, Fred MacMurray, Cornell Wilde; and June Allyson, Lauren Bacall, Arlene Dahl.
who would you pair up to create three couples with some hope of screen chemistry?
My choice: (1) Heflin & Bacall: Classy actors, both of whom exude intelligence and dignity. (2) Wilde & Dahl: Hollywood glamor-pusses, about equally light on talent. (3) MacMurray & Allyson: Both sexless, a G-rated couple.
Here are the failed chemistry experiments we get: (1) MacMurray and Bacall. (2) Wilde and Allyson. (3) Heflin and Dahl. Honestly, I don't think the filmmakers could have done worse.
And that, regrettably, is not the end of the silliness. Made the same year as A Star is Born, Rear Window, Executive Suite, and let's not forget Johnny Guitar—all movies with strong women—"A Woman's World" is almost a parody of a modern woman's world since these ladies are all wives, period. Not that the men fare much better in a plot this contrived. One example will do: We're meant to worry that MacMurray might die of a peptic ulcer if he doesn't start loving his wife more than his job. (Ulcers can lead to fatalities, but only if not diagnosed and treated.)
Clifton Webb's patented disdain is welcome counterpoint, but it's impossible to know if it's part of Webb's character or his reaction to the script.
who would you pair up to create three couples with some hope of screen chemistry?
My choice: (1) Heflin & Bacall: Classy actors, both of whom exude intelligence and dignity. (2) Wilde & Dahl: Hollywood glamor-pusses, about equally light on talent. (3) MacMurray & Allyson: Both sexless, a G-rated couple.
Here are the failed chemistry experiments we get: (1) MacMurray and Bacall. (2) Wilde and Allyson. (3) Heflin and Dahl. Honestly, I don't think the filmmakers could have done worse.
And that, regrettably, is not the end of the silliness. Made the same year as A Star is Born, Rear Window, Executive Suite, and let's not forget Johnny Guitar—all movies with strong women—"A Woman's World" is almost a parody of a modern woman's world since these ladies are all wives, period. Not that the men fare much better in a plot this contrived. One example will do: We're meant to worry that MacMurray might die of a peptic ulcer if he doesn't start loving his wife more than his job. (Ulcers can lead to fatalities, but only if not diagnosed and treated.)
Clifton Webb's patented disdain is welcome counterpoint, but it's impossible to know if it's part of Webb's character or his reaction to the script.
A simply and great '50s comedy
bellino-angelo201425 February 2018
Woman's World it's one of the most underrated (and forgotten) comedies made in Hollywood during the 1950s. And personally I found it very funny and the plot kept me interested troughout the movie.
Three men aspire for a promotion in a car company, and the president (Webb) decides that each is fit for the job, but his decision will be based on their wives. Bill (Wilde) and Katie (Allyson) care about each other too much, Sid (MacMurray) and Elizabeth (Bacall) fight constantly as he is a workaholic, and Jerry (Heflin) and Carol (Dahl) seem to want the job no matter what it takes, and Carol lets herself more free from her husband, letting him take the job.
This movie is directed by Jean Negulesco, fresh from the success of ''How to Marry a Milionaire'', and the cast is top-notch. Cornel Wilde and June Allyson are awesome, and Allyson's character was so funny and goofy; Lauren Bacall and Fred MacMurray are as always excellent, and Van Heflin and Arlene Dahl were also funny, especially Arlene as a mischievous wife. And Clifton Webb did also a fine job here. I loved it very much and Woman's World it's nothing revolutionary, but only funny and likeable.
Three men aspire for a promotion in a car company, and the president (Webb) decides that each is fit for the job, but his decision will be based on their wives. Bill (Wilde) and Katie (Allyson) care about each other too much, Sid (MacMurray) and Elizabeth (Bacall) fight constantly as he is a workaholic, and Jerry (Heflin) and Carol (Dahl) seem to want the job no matter what it takes, and Carol lets herself more free from her husband, letting him take the job.
This movie is directed by Jean Negulesco, fresh from the success of ''How to Marry a Milionaire'', and the cast is top-notch. Cornel Wilde and June Allyson are awesome, and Allyson's character was so funny and goofy; Lauren Bacall and Fred MacMurray are as always excellent, and Van Heflin and Arlene Dahl were also funny, especially Arlene as a mischievous wife. And Clifton Webb did also a fine job here. I loved it very much and Woman's World it's nothing revolutionary, but only funny and likeable.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
