The Beguiled (1971) is a Southern Gothic psychological drama directed by Don Siegel and starring Clint Eastwood.
Set during the American Civil War, the film follows John McBurney, a wounded Union soldier who is discovered in the woods by a young girl and taken to a secluded girls' boarding school in Confederate territory. The school is run by the stern but lonely Martha Farnsworth, assisted by teacher Edwina Dabney.
Initially, McBurney is a prisoner, but as he recovers he begins to charm and manipulate the women around him. Different members of the household become attracted to him in different ways: some romantically, some sexually, and some simply because he represents the first male presence they have seen in years. Jealousies, rivalries and resentments gradually build beneath the surface.
The film builds toward a dark and macabre conclusion in which the women take a final, collective action to rid themselves of the threat McBurney poses to their isolated world.
Personal History
I can remember attempting to watch this film as a teenager. Probably lost interest, as it's no Dirty Harry (Eastwood's next film, with the same director).
Current Review
Series 4 of Moviedrome kicks off with a very strange little film. Not at all what you would expect from Eastwood and Siegel. And straight away, there is controversy. In what planet did they think it would be acceptable for a 39 year old man to kiss a 12 year girl. Who if anything, looked much younger than 12.
The 1970s were an different age.
The film is a psychological, southern gothic melodrama - as Clints presence causes a household of females running from 12 to 40s(?) to lose themselves and behave unexpectedly.
Eastwood's harem.... including the 12 year old
Its unusual to have a film with such unsympathetic characters. I loved the way the soldier told his stories, painting his actions in a good light, while a flashback showed the truth. The governess, who presumably should be the moral compass of the film, has her back story explained in flashback. An incestuous affair with her brother, who Eastwood slowly turns into by borrowing his clothes.
Not sure about the music - is that Clint singing the Theme Tune?
Quirky Facts
According to Don Siegel in his biography, Universal Studios did not properly manage the release of the movie, presenting it as one more action movie starring Clint Eastwood , which of course disappointed audiences faithful to his usual movies. Siegel also said that this movie should have been shown in local theaters in New York City and then could have probably been a moderate success instead of a failure at the box office.
Other titles contemplated by Universal Pictures were "Pussy-footing Down at the Old Plantation" and "On One I Walked".
Quotes
Cpl. John McBurney: I've just been thinking about all the advantages a one-legged man has. He saves on socks. He doesn't have to worry about trimming as many toenails... fewer corns and bunions. I've been contemplating asking her to cut off the other one.
Carol: A real bluebelly!
Doris: There's only one way to tell if he's a Yank.
Carol: How's that?
Doris: Take off his pants! Yanks have tails!
Future Inspiration
AI gave me Wise Blood, by Flannery O'Connor - a blueprint in Southern Gothic. I have been meaning to read her for some time.
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