The Barretts Of Wimpole Street (1934)

The young poetess Elizabeth Barrett (Norma Shearer) is an invalid confined to her room and under the thumb of her domineering father (Charles Laughton). But when the young poet Robert Browning (Fredric March) comes into her life she thrives and falls in love. But is she strong enough to break away from her father's hold? Based on the 1930 play by Rudolf Besier and directed by Sidney Franklin (THE GOOD EARTH). An example of the prestige films churned out by MGM under Irving Thalberg's reign and Norma Shearer (Mrs. Thalberg) in one of her first lady of MGM  roles. She's insufferable but Laughton warming up for his Captain Bligh in MUTINY ON THE BOUNTY the following year brings a strong sense of malevolence as the sadistic father. Much of the incestuous suggestion present in the stage play has been removed but Laughton's performance subtly puts it back in. Sidney Franklin directed a remake in 1957 which is practically a scene by scene duplicate. Enough drama to hold our interest but oh that Shearer!  With Maureen O'Sullivan, Una O'Connor, Leo G. Carroll, Ian Wolfe and Marion Clayton.