Directed by George Cukor | United States | 105 min

What is the price and worth of a person if not beauty? George Cukor and Joan Crawford answer this question in A Woman’s Face, a crime film noir drama that showcases Crawford’s dramatic abilities after years of largely mediocre roles. Crawford stars as Anna Holm, a terribly disfigured Swedish woman and small-time criminal in Stockholm. Unexpectedly, she receives a miracle: Anna’s scarred face is restored to perfect beauty with cutting-edge surgical techniques. As she navigates her new lease on life and the possibilities that come with beauty, her past returns to haunt her. Her old friend Torsten (Conrad Veidt, in a scene-stealing performance) manipulates Anna into a final scheme that may destroy them both.

Utilizing Cukor’s expert direction and Crawford’s star persona and newly showcased acting gifts, A Woman’s Face remains an under-seen gem of 1940s Hollywood cinema.

Written by Scott Lang.

Part of our 40 Divas Series.

 

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In the spirit of respect, reciprocity and truth, we honour and acknowledge that this screening takes place on Moh’kinsstis and the traditional Treaty 7 territory, as well as the oral practices of the Blackfoot confederacy: Siksika, Kainai, Piikani as well as the Îyâxe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina nations. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation within Alberta District 6. Finally, we acknowledge all Nations, Indigenous and non, who live, work and play, as well as help steward this land, honour and celebrate this territory.