Susan Hayward and Gregory Peck
Susan Hayward and Gregory Peck star in the 1951 Historical Romance David and Bathsheba, directed by Henry King. The film is filled with beauty – from the wardrobe to the scenery and, of course Susan Hayward.
While I like the film and recommend it, I can’t say that the two leads have a lot of chemistry. In fact, at the risk of sounding ornery, I kept wondering the entire time I watched this one, “Who does Susan Hayward wish were playing David…” and “Who does Gregory Peck wish were playing Bathsheba…” Each star struck me as someone stuck on a blind date they’d rather not be on.
Take, as a contrast, Gregory Peck in Roman Holiday. When he looks at Audrey Hepburn, his eyes tell you there isn’t anyone he’d rather be sharing the scene with. The same can be said for Susan Hayward in Garden of Evil. She seems to very much appreciate Gary Cooper being nearby!
As far as that goes, each star gives me that impression in every other film they ever made.
Naturally, this could just be me. When we watch a movie, we do so with our own personal emotions, likes, dislikes, tastes, expectations, personalities, etc. What strikes me as absolute truth about a film may not come anywhere close to what someone else thinks.
That’s what makes movies even more fun than they already are… hearing different people’s opinions and comparing them to your own.
(Continued below beautiful Susan Hayward….)
Susan Hayward as Bathsheba
Overall, mind you, the film is very entertaining and each star is wonderful in their role. If you’ve seen this one, I’d love to hear what you think about their chemistry!