Harriet Craig ( 1950 )

Harriet Craig (1950): A Portrait of Possessive Perfection

Harriet Craig, a 1950 film directed by Vincent Sherman and starring Joan Crawford, is a chilling and insightful drama that explores the destructive nature of possessiveness and the insidious power of manipulation within a seemingly perfect marriage. Based on the play Craig's Wife by George Kelly (which itself had been previously adapted into films in 1928 and 1936), the film offers a stark and uncompromising portrayal of a woman obsessed with maintaining control over her home and, by extension, her husband and those around her. While outwardly appearing to be the epitome of domesticity and grace, Harriet Craig is, at her core, a deeply insecure and manipulative individual whose need for control ultimately isolates her and destroys the very relationships she claims to cherish.

Plot Summary

The film centers around Harriet Craig (Joan Crawford), a meticulously organized and impeccably dressed woman whose life revolves around her beautiful and spotless home. She dotes on her husband, Walter Craig (Wendell Corey), but her affection is more about possession than genuine love. Walter, a seemingly good-natured and devoted husband, is increasingly stifled by Harriet's controlling nature. He longs for adventure and purpose beyond simply providing for her obsession. Harriet's world is carefully constructed to present a facade of perfection to the outside world, a facade she is ruthlessly determined to maintain.

Several events begin to unravel Harriet's carefully constructed world. First, her young cousin, Clare (Allyn McLerie), who is staying with the Craigs, falls in love with a charming but unreliable man named Gene (William Bishop). Harriet, fearing that Clare's potential happiness will disrupt her carefully orchestrated life, actively sabotages the relationship, spreading rumors and exaggerating Gene's flaws. Second, Walter's friend, Billy (Raymond Greenleaf), becomes embroiled in a scandal involving a murder and a woman he was seeing on the side. Walter, believing in Billy's innocence, wants to support him. Harriet, however, vehemently opposes any involvement, fearing the scandal will tarnish her reputation and home. Third, Harriet's lies and manipulations begin to catch up with her. Her close friend, Mrs. Winston (Viola Roache), slowly starts to realize the truth about Harriet's controlling behavior and possessive nature. These events force Walter to confront the reality of his marriage and the true nature of the woman he thought he knew.

As the film progresses, Harriet's lies and manipulations become more blatant and destructive. She intercepts letters, fabricates stories, and manipulates those around her to maintain control. Walter eventually discovers the extent of Harriet's deceit and realizes that she cares more about her house and her image than she does about him or anyone else. The film culminates in a powerful confrontation where Walter finally asserts himself and leaves Harriet, shattering her carefully constructed world. In the end, Harriet is left alone in her pristine house, a prisoner of her own making, having sacrificed love and human connection for the sake of maintaining an illusion of control.

Themes

Harriet Craig explores several key themes, including:

• The Destructive Nature of Possessiveness: The film's central theme is the corrosive effect of possessiveness on relationships. Harriet's desire to control her husband and her environment stems from deep-seated insecurities and a fear of losing control. This possessiveness ultimately destroys her marriage and leaves her isolated and alone.
• The Illusion of Perfection: Harriet strives for an unattainable ideal of domestic perfection, obsessively maintaining her house and meticulously controlling every aspect of her life. This pursuit of perfection is ultimately a facade, masking her inner turmoil and preventing her from forming genuine connections with others.
• The Subjugation of Women: While seemingly empowered within her domestic sphere, Harriet is, in a way, a prisoner of societal expectations. Her ambition is channeled into controlling her household and her husband, reflecting the limited opportunities available to women in the mid-20th century. She ultimately uses those limitations to justify her actions and maintain control.
• The Power of Truth: The film highlights the importance of honesty and authenticity in relationships. Harriet's lies and manipulations ultimately unravel her carefully constructed world, revealing the truth about her controlling nature and destroying the trust that is essential for any meaningful connection.
• The Search for Identity: Walter's struggle to find meaning and purpose beyond his role as Harriet's husband reflects a broader theme of identity and self-discovery. He is initially content to live in Harriet's shadow, but eventually realizes that he needs to assert his own individuality and pursue his own dreams.

Character Analysis

Harriet Craig (Joan Crawford)

Harriet Craig is a complex and fascinating character, a study in the destructive power of unchecked ambition and possessiveness. Joan Crawford's portrayal is masterful, capturing both Harriet's outward charm and her underlying coldness. Harriet is driven by a deep-seated insecurity and a fear of losing control. She uses her home as a means of asserting her power and maintaining a sense of order in her life. Her relationship with Walter is based on possession rather than love, and she manipulates him and others to ensure that her desires are met. Harriet's relentless pursuit of perfection ultimately isolates her and destroys the very relationships she claims to cherish.

Walter Craig (Wendell Corey)

Walter Craig is the long-suffering husband of Harriet, a man who is initially blind to her controlling nature. He is a kind and good-natured individual who loves Harriet and is willing to indulge her obsession with her home. However, as the film progresses, Walter becomes increasingly aware of Harriet's manipulations and the suffocating atmosphere of their marriage. He begins to question his own identity and his role in Harriet's carefully constructed world. Ultimately, Walter finds the strength to assert himself and leave Harriet, choosing freedom and self-respect over a life of subservience.

Clare (Allyn McLerie)

Clare, Harriet's cousin, serves as a foil to Harriet. She is innocent, optimistic, and genuinely seeks happiness in love. Harriet, threatened by Clare's potential happiness and freedom, actively sabotages her relationship with Gene, revealing the extent of her selfishness and control. Clare's storyline highlights the contrast between genuine affection and Harriet's possessive love.

Reception and Legacy

Harriet Craig received mixed reviews upon its release in 1950. Some critics praised Joan Crawford's performance and the film's unflinching portrayal of a manipulative and controlling woman. Others found the film to be overly melodramatic and its characters unsympathetic. However, the film has endured over time and is now considered a classic of the film noir genre, particularly for its exploration of domestic darkness and the portrayal of a strong, yet deeply flawed, female character.

The film's themes of possessiveness, manipulation, and the illusion of perfection remain relevant today, making Harriet Craig a timeless and thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of human relationships. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of prioritizing control and appearances over genuine connection and emotional honesty.

Comparison with Other Adaptations of Craig's Wife

Harriet Craig is the third film adaptation of George Kelly's Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Craig's Wife. Each adaptation offers a slightly different interpretation of the story and its characters. The 1928 silent film version, also titled Craig's Wife, starred Irene Rich as Harriet Craig and focused on the visual aspects of her obsessive cleanliness and control. The 1936 version, Craig's Wife, starred Rosalind Russell and was more sympathetic to Harriet, portraying her as a victim of societal expectations. Harriet Craig (1950) offers the most unflinching and critical portrayal of Harriet, showcasing her manipulative and destructive behavior with a greater degree of darkness.

While all three adaptations explore the same core themes, Harriet Craig (1950) is generally considered the most effective and memorable due to Joan Crawford's powerful performance and the film's willingness to delve into the darker aspects of Harriet's personality. It also benefits from the post-war societal context, allowing for a more explicit critique of traditional gender roles and the constraints placed upon women.

Cast and Crew

Detailed Scene Analysis (Example)

One particularly revealing scene occurs early in the film when Harriet carefully arranges flowers in her immaculate living room. While seemingly a benign activity, the scene highlights Harriet's controlling nature and her obsession with perfection. She meticulously selects and positions each flower, ensuring that every detail is just right. When Walter attempts to offer a suggestion, she dismisses him, asserting her own vision of how the arrangement should look. This seemingly insignificant scene foreshadows the larger dynamics of their relationship, where Harriet controls every aspect of their lives and dismisses Walter's opinions and desires.

Visual Style and Cinematography

The film's visual style contributes to its overall sense of unease and claustrophobia. The cinematography emphasizes the sterile and uninviting atmosphere of Harriet's house. The camera often focuses on meticulously arranged objects and spotless surfaces, creating a sense of oppressive order. The use of shadows and darkness further enhances the film's noirish atmosphere, reflecting the hidden tensions and secrets within the Craig household. Joan Crawford's costumes are also meticulously chosen to reflect Harriet's personality and her desire to project an image of perfection. The overall visual style reinforces the film's themes of control, manipulation, and the illusion of happiness.

Symbolism in Harriet Craig

Conclusion

Harriet Craig is a powerful and disturbing film that explores the destructive consequences of possessiveness and the illusion of perfection. Joan Crawford's unforgettable performance as Harriet Craig solidifies the film's place as a classic of domestic noir. The film's enduring relevance lies in its exploration of timeless themes of control, manipulation, and the search for meaning in a world that often prioritizes appearances over authenticity. It is a must-see for anyone interested in exploring the darker side of human relationships and the complexities of the female experience in mid-20th century America.