Beyond the Forest (1949)

drednm · Post by **drednm** » Fri Nov 13, 2009 2:24 pm

Ok so here's a question. Just watched this infamous film, which really was pretty good (if lurid), but was a major segment cut out?

So Rosa (Bette Davis) is pregnant and trapped with dull husband. She has a chance to run off with the equally dull guy from Chicago. She seemingly dresses up like her Indian maid (who also wears a long black fright wig) and goes off in a bus. The husband follows her and she seems to be sitting in a lawyer's office when all expectation would have it that she would go to a Dr to get rid of the baby so she can run off to Chicago again.

Huh? This section makes no sense at all and is never referred to in the film. Any ideas?

IA · Post by IA » Mon Dec 07, 2009 8:16 pm

You're absolutely right--there was a major portion cut out. It was Rosa's trip to the abortionist's office, which was cut from the film without King Vidor's knowledge or consent. I don't have it with me, but there's a book of interviews with Vidor where he goes into more detail on this. If I find the book I'll try posting the information here.

Ray Faiola · Post by **Ray Faiola** » Tue Dec 08, 2009 6:21 am

My favorite aspect of BEYOND THE FOREST is Max Steiner's brooding score, especially his manic interpolation of "Chicago" by Fred Fisher. Train wheels!!

drednm · Post by **drednm** » Tue Dec 08, 2009 8:10 am

It's a very underrated film and Davis is good in it.

Frederica · Post by **Frederica** » Tue Dec 08, 2009 10:15 am

drednm wrote:It's a very underrated film and Davis is good in it.

It's been quite a while since I've seen it, but I remember having the same reaction. It definitely goes over the top in a few places, and Davis is too old to play Rosa Moline, but she's still good and the movie is better than its reputation.

Fred

drednm · Post by **drednm** » Tue Dec 08, 2009 10:24 am

This is another of those films that has a reputation (in this case bad) and is therefore dismissed.

Davis' age probably works toward making Rosa more sympathetic, and there are some shots where she's quite stunning in her black wig. As for acting, Davis certainly had nothing to be ashamed about.

But with the abortion scene cut, all the oomph goes out of the film and the ending just ends. It also makes the Dona Drake character redundant.

Hal Erickson · Post by **Hal Erickson** » Tue Dec 08, 2009 10:26 am

Unless my memory is failing me, Bette actually visits the abortionist's office, but the studio inserts an idiotic closeup of a business sign indicating that he's a "psychiatrist".
Compare that to the blatant references to abortion in such pre-code films as AN AMERICAN TRAGEDY and (especially) ANN VICKERS.

drednm · Post by **drednm** » Tue Dec 08, 2009 10:34 am

Yes there's some cutaway shot of a sign which makes no sense and obviously doesn't explain her attempt to masquerade as her maid. There's also no resolution or other mention of her bus trip.

Frederica · Post by **Frederica** » Tue Dec 08, 2009 11:11 am

Hal Erickson wrote:Unless my memory is failing me, Bette actually visits the abortionist's office, but the studio inserts an idiotic closeup of a business sign indicating that he's a "psychiatrist".
Compare that to the blatant references to abortion in such pre-code films as AN AMERICAN TRAGEDY and (especially) ANN VICKERS.

On the other hand, it's not likely the doctor would have a sign up stating "Abortionist," although I cannot recall any references to "Psychiatry" being a code word of any kind!

Fred

Ray Faiola · Post by **Ray Faiola** » Tue Dec 08, 2009 11:24 am

I'd love to see Housely Stevenson play the abortionist!! (he was the plastic surgeon in DARK PASSAGE).