WATERLOO BRIDGE
1940/Starring Vivien Leigh and Robert Taylor
This was the first Vivien movie I've seen (other than GWTW, of course) and, although I was a bit afraid that I'd be dissapointed by her acting after her flawless performance as Scarlett O'Hara, my reaction to Waterloo Bridge was the exact opposite of what I'd feared it would be.
The story takes place in London during World War I. Myra Lester, a ballet dancer (Vivien Leigh) and Roy Cronin, a military captain (Robert Taylor) have a chance meeting on Waterloo Bridge during an air raid, and it is "love at first sight." They attempt to get married but it is not to be, for Roy is called away before they can. Myra and her friend Kitty are kicked out of ballet class and are forced to fend for themselves. Believing Roy to be dead, and being destitute, Myra turns to prostitution. However, he returns from the war, alive after all, and takes Myra to his country home in Scotland, where the couple is soon to be wed. But Myra, not wanting to dishonor Roy, finds that she cannot marry him. She returns to London and there, at Waterloo Bridge, kills herself. However, Roy, dicovering what she'd been hiding from him but moments too late, vows to always love her and never forget her.
Although this movie ends tragically, it is definitely not one to be missed. The storyline is well thought out and the acting superb. The main characters are also well-defined. Myra is a sweet, lovable girl whom demands your compassion, while Roy is the perfect man--sensitive, handsome, and rich. ;^) From the very beginning you become entangled in the lives of the two people and the undying love they have for one another.
Although lesser known then some, Waterloo Bridge is a classic. It shows how war can devastatingly change the lives of ordinary people and depicts true love and honor in every respect.
I give this movie ***** (five stars)