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As much as I want to identify with the heroines of my favorite sweet romances, I often find that I am more like the humorous sidekick/friend. In Philadelphia Story, I find Tracy Lord (Katharine Hepburn) fascinating, but she is too assured, too dramatic, too vulnerable to be my role model. The wry, well-grounded photographer Liz, is more my speed. And SPOILER ALERT, I like the fact that she may end up with Jimmy Stewart’s character at the end. In All that Heaven Allows, Jane Wyman is noble and full of angst, whereas Agnes Morehead, her best amusing friend, is sympathetic and funny. She seems to walk the social tight rope with grace and wisdom.
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As I get older, I’m identifying more with Thelma Ritter. She was a hoot in Letter to Three Wives and as the nurse in Rear Window, she was a great contrast to the cool elegance of Grace Kelly. When I watch these movies, I’m thrilled that the heroine gets her happily ever after, but I also appreciate the less glamorous, loyal friend. I want her to be happy, too.
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Books and movies can be fantastic mirrors, can’t they?