Jezebel (1938 William Wyler)

Funny how Wyler worked his actors so hard, but got them to Oscar level, whilst Woody doesn't - and also does. Bette won for this antebellum Deep South melodrama, handsomely shot by Ernie Haller and scored by Steiner. John Huston is one of the writers - perhaps he giving certain humanity to supporting black characters like he did in In This Our Life. Not sure about the moment when 'Yellow Jack' screams off the screen at you. Ending is noble and unsatisfying to the audience.

There's no argument that it's a well acted picture, with George Brent in his best performance, Henry Fonda, Fay Bainter, Richard Cromwell (rather good), Spring Byington, Donald Crisp, Margaret Lindsay.