Waterloo bridge
Starring: Vivien Leigh, Robert Taylor
Directed by Mervyn LeRoy.
Produced by Sidney Franklin
Synopsis
Based on the play by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Robert E. Sherwood, WATERLOO BRIDGE stars Vivien Leigh as Myra, a shy ballerina whose life is irrevocably altered in war-torn London. It's love at first sight when Myra meets handsome, aristocratic British officer Roy Cronin (Robert Taylor) in the midst of an air raid. The couple soon plans to wed, but Cronin is called to the front, and shortly thereafter a newspaper reports his death. Forced out of ballet school, alone and destitute, Myra turns to prostitution. When she discovers that the newspaper report was inaccurate, Myra is unable to tell Cronin about her professional life, and tragedy ensues...This 10-handkerchief weeper was directed by Mervyn LeRoy. Joseph Ruttenberg`s photography is beautiful, as is the inspired soundtrack by Herbert Stothart (THE WIZARD OF OZ), but what makes WATERLOO BRIDGE is Leigh`s stunning performance and the very real chemistry between her and Robert Taylor.
COMMENTS
In 1969, when Robert Taylor was dying from cancer and confined to his bed, he requested to view his old films. Apparently, he hadn't seen most of them since their initial release. Afterwards, he was asked by friends which film was he the most proud of. Of all the films he made in his 35 year career, "Waterloo Bridge" was the movie he chose. "That," he said; "was my best film." "Waterloo Bridge" will take your breath away by the simple fact that two of the most beautiful actors appear in it - Vivien Leigh and Robert Taylor.
Academy Awards, USA
Year Result Award Category/Recipient(s)
1941 Nominated Oscar Best Cinematography, Black-and-White
Joseph Ruttenberg
Best Music, Original Score
Herbert Stothart
