Ever wondered why some silver-screen classics stir much more than nostalgia? Enter 'Kitty' (1945), a not-so-innocent whirlwind of a film directed by Mitchell Leisen and written by the one and only Dalton Trumbo. This rollicking piece of post-war cinema set in 18th century London, portrays the rise of Kitty, a kitchen maid turned woman of esteem, played by Paulette Goddard. What starts as a simple tale of class climb in an outrageously charming setting, soon twists into poignant messages that might raise eyebrows in today’s politically correct climate. 'Kitty', based on the novel by Rosamond Marshall, charmed audiences at its release. But boy, wouldn't it drive controversies in today’s woke circles?
First things first, let’s address the elephant in the room. Dressed to kill, Paulette Goddard manages to portray a complex character with aspirations far beyond her station—hardly fitting into the 'poor little oppressed woman' category that many modern plots seem obsessed with. Goddard, alongside Ray Milland, who plays the rakish artist Sir Hugh, form a cast that brings humor, charisma, and old-fashioned romance to the screen. It’s an invigorating escapism, where ambition and charm matter more than social welfare programs or hashtag activism.
Consider this: in Kitty’s change of social fortune, there’s no catering to a narrative of victimhood. There’s resourcefulness, cunning, and yes, a fair bit of manipulation. Rather than lament societal constructs, Kitty deftly maneuvers through them, an approach that contrasts sharply with the narratives saturated in today’s media, which prefer wallowing in societal shackles instead of taking dynamic action.
The film’s plot pivots around this strategic social maneuvering—disguises, ambitious romantic entanglements, and the undying belief that one’s fate can be rewritten much like the artisans of Europe masterfully rewrite their canvases. The way 'Kitty' handles the story of social climbing, utilizing charm and wit, would likely trigger today’s deconstructionist academics. If anything, the film uplifts the individual's capability to fashion their destiny without handouts or pandering to authority.
Then, there’s the charming audacity of Mitchell Leisen’s direction. He doesn’t shy away from giving true camaraderie, theatrical performances, and gleefully packaged scandal the center stage. What’s scandal in the world of Kitty is instrumental in creating personal success, unperturbed by notions of collective justice or obligatory state assistance.
Period details, elaborate costume design, and pristine performances contribute to Kitty’s allure. But make no mistake, this film is essentially a tightly woven narrative on determination. It’s about crafting one's destiny without waiting for societal reformations or the interventions that are coveted by big-government advocates today.
Notably, 'Kitty' injects a good dose of humor with its rose-tinted glasses on historical London. It can be argued that laughter comes more naturally when one witnesses cunning plans unravel with flair and poise, rather than debate over some tedious hyper-political dogma that could suck the joy out of any room.
What makes Kitty and Hugh’s antics even more enjoyable today is the liberty they embody in a narrative spun outside the modern zealots' mandates. There's a significant thrill in watching a character define their reality beyond artificially imposed limits, and love them or hate them, Kitty’s antics spur admiration.
Times have undoubtedly changed since Goddard and Milland graced the screen, but lessons in their liberty, charm, and self-reliance are relevant and refreshing. Kitty isn't a cinematic relic; it's a reminder. A reminder that genuine character, ambition without entitlement, and breaking molds through actual effort, rather than expecting salvation through group-edict, retains its shine through the ages.
Exploring classics like 'Kitty' is an exercise in recognizing how far certain societal expectations have reached and perhaps to reflect on the raw elegance and freedom that individualism breeds. Whether it fits your narrative or not, 'Kitty' offers a piece of history and humanity that is, equally, entertaining and edifying.