The Women (1939)
George Cukor's razor-sharp Hollywood classic — an all-female ensemble comedy-drama about marriage, gossip, and the art of fighting back.
The Women - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Women
- Release Year: 1939
- Directed by: George Cukor
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Drama
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 2h 13m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: French, English
- Release Date (Theatrical): September 1, 1939 (United States - NR), February 9, 1940 (Brazil - L)
- Alternative Titles: Женские интриги (RU), 淑女争宠记 (CN), As Mulheres (BR), Mujeres (ES)
- Production Companies: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Women - Plot
A happily married woman lets her catty friends talk her into divorce when her husband strays.
The Women - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the legendary ensemble in action:
It's all about men!
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The Women - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- George Cukor
Main Cast
- Norma Shearer
- Joan Crawford
- Rosalind Russell
- Mary Boland
- Paulette Goddard
- Joan Fontaine
- Lucile Watson
- Phyllis Povah
- Virginia Weidler
- Marjorie Main
Writers
- Anita Loos
- Jane Murfin
- F. Scott Fitzgerald
- Donald Ogden Stewart
Producers
- Hunt Stromberg
The Women - FAQs
Who are the main actresses in The Women?
The Women boasts a dazzling all-female cast led by Norma Shearer as the dignified Mary Haines, Joan Crawford as the scheming Crystal Allen, and Rosalind Russell stealing scenes as the deliciously catty Sylvia Fowler. Mary Boland, Paulette Goddard, and Joan Fontaine round out the sparkling ensemble.
Is The Women based on a true story or a play?
The Women is based on Clare Boothe Luce's hugely successful Broadway play of the same name, which ran from 1936 to 1938. The play was a sharp satirical comedy about Manhattan socialites, and the film adaptation preserves much of its biting wit and all-female character roster.
Why does The Women feature no male characters?
One of Hollywood's most celebrated gimmicks: every single character on screen — all 135 speaking roles — is female. Men are constantly discussed, fought over, and blamed, yet never seen. It's a bold structural choice that amplifies the film's satirical commentary on how society shapes women's lives around men.
What is The Women (1939) about?
Mary Haines is a contented New York socialite whose world unravels when her gossipy friends reveal her husband is having an affair with a perfume-counter girl named Crystal Allen. Pressured by her social circle, Mary files for divorce in Reno — but eventually decides to fight back on her own terms.
Where can I stream The Women (1939)?
You can stream The Women on HBO Max or through the HBO Max Amazon Channel. It's also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. JustWatch TV also offers it for free, so there are plenty of ways to watch.
Did The Women (1939) win any awards?
The Women wasn't nominated for Academy Awards, but it was a major box office hit and a critical triumph for MGM. Rosalind Russell's comedic performance as Sylvia Fowler earned widespread acclaim and is still considered one of the finest comic turns in classic Hollywood history.
How long is The Women (1939)?
The Women runs 2 hours and 13 minutes — a generous runtime that gives the film space to develop its large ensemble cast and deliver scene after scene of sharp, witty dialogue. The pacing rarely drags, thanks to George Cukor's confident direction and the electric chemistry between the leads.
What makes The Women a classic Hollywood film?
Beyond its unique all-female cast, The Women stands out for its razor-sharp screenplay, George Cukor's masterful direction, and performances that crackle with energy. It's funny, surprisingly modern in its themes of female solidarity and independence, and features one of cinema's most memorable catfights — all without a single man on screen.
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